Bernardo Silva becomes the latest high-profile name to slam ‘absurd’ football calendar – as the Man City star echoes team-mate Kevin De Bruyne’s concerns over player workload
- Silva’s City could play up to 68 games this season given recent date changes
- Competitions have been extended and stars will also go on international missions
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Bernardo Silva has criticised the scheduling of top-level players during Portugal’s international break.
Silva is preparing for his sixth game of the season when Portugal take on Scotland on Sunday, but the schedule is only set to get busier as European competition approaches.
This year, the Champions League will see teams play eight matches instead of six in the league phase. In addition, a play-off round has been added prior to the round of 16.
At international level, teams compete in the Nations League, with three international periods scheduled before Christmas.
Silva, speaking to Dossierdelved deeper into the impact the busy schedule has had on him and explained the struggles some top players face.
Bernardo Silva is the latest household name to criticise the football calendar
Silva prepares for his sixth game of the season during his international duties with Portugal
Manchester City could play 68 games this season if they reach the final of each competition
“The schedule is completely crazy,” he began. “We’ve just got the news that we’ve only got one day off before the English League Cup game.
‘We’ll probably be playing every three days for months. It’s absolutely absurd.’ ‘In the Champions League, you have to play two more games if you don’t qualify for the round of 16.
“It’s true that the teams are bigger, but I’m not going to say it’s easy. It hasn’t been easy. I spend very little time with my family and friends. The amount of games we have to play is just absurd.”
City will also compete in the revamped Club World Cup this summer, meaning their campaign could not end until July 13.
If Pep Guardiola’s side were to reach the final of each competition, they would play a total of 68 games this season, including one involving players of international stature.
A number of high-profile names have previously spoken out about the scheme, including Jurgen Klopp and Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango.
Kevin De Bruyne joined his teammate in criticising the fixtures, blaming UEFA and FIFA
Silva’s club mate Kevin De Bruyne was also critical of the playing schedule during his international period with Belgium.
“The problem is that UEFA and FIFA are scheduling extra matches,” he said this week.
De Bruyne’s Belgium will face Israel and France during the current international period.