Rodri revealed players could consider going on strike. (Image: Getty)
Rodri’s comments about players potentially going on strike have sparked a defiant response from the Professional Footballers’ Association.
The Manchester City midfielder hinted footballers could take action against the sport’s organisers because of the increased number of matches.
Speaking before City’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan, the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament claimed: “I think we’re close to that [players going on strike].
“It’s the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, we’ll have no other option, I really think… It’s something that worries us. We are the guys who suffer!”
Rodri was commenting ahead of the new Champions League format’s introduction, which will see all teams involved in the ‘League Phase’ play a minimum of two more matches.
What’s more, sides who finish between ninth and 24th in the table will have another two fixtures to contend with in a play-off round, with winners of those ties qualifying for the last-16.
Theoretically, a club could win the Champions League having played a maximum of 17 matches from the league phase onwards – a jump from 13 under the previous format.
And the added fixtures have got players, Rodri including, furious.
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Rodri made his first appearance of the season after an extended break vs Brentford on Saturday. (Image: Getty)
It’s an issue the PFA have been outspoken on in the past, with the players’ association throwing their weight behind Rodri’s latest comments.
A spokesperson from the PFA responded with: “In recent weeks our members have made their feelings very clear when it comes to the fixture calendar and player workload.
“Players and their unions have asked to be listened to and to be a central part of these processes. When they are ignored then the natural consequence is that players will begin to consider all options available to them.
“Players are repeatedly saying that enough is enough, and this must now act as a serious wake up call to the authorities.”
Rodri isn’t alone in speaking out, with City team-mate Manuel Akanji having also blasted those in charge.
On the issue, Akanji said: “We train as hard as possible and we are fit, but there has to be a limit.
“Let’s say we win the league or cup, then go to the final of the Club World Cup; the Community Shield is three weeks after. So when do we have holidays? There are no breaks in winter, so if we are lucky we get two weeks and then we need to be back and into next season.
“Then the next summer it’s the World Cup. There’s no end to it. You can’t just keep adding game after game and assume everything will be like it was. You have to think about the players as well.”
City face Inter at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night for the first part of their eight-game league phase.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1949712/rodri-pfa-premier-league-strike