- Man City stars have expressed concerns over the crowded football calendar
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Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has claimed he cannot expect a reduction in the number of games played each season after team-mate Rodri said players were on the verge of going on strike in protest at the increase in fixtures.
“No matter what I say, they’re not going to change anything,” Gvardiol said. “I’ll be happy if we get more days off (to recover), but it is what it is,” he added.
The 28-year-old Rodri made his first start for City this season against Internazionale on Wednesday night, as City finished in a 0-0 draw in their opening match in the new Champions League format.
Both the new Champions League and Club World Cup formats mean that City will play at least four more games compared to last season’s guaranteed fixtures. In the last two full seasons, City have played 120 games in all competitions.
But the 22-year-old Gvardiol insisted he is happy with the extended group stage and that it is not a topic of discussion among his City team-mates.
Josko Gvardiol believes football managers ‘will not make any changes’ to the crowded fixture list
UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has been criticised for the increase in the number of rounds this season, following the introduction of the revamped Champions League format
Last weekend, his teammate Manuel Akanji (29) joked that he would “retire at 30” because there is “no end” to the abundance of matches.
“Not really (talking about it). We are focused on our season. It’s a long season,” Gvardiol said. “I’m a big fan of the new format.
“That’s why we play football. I would be happier with more days off, but I’m still young and fresh, so for the older teammates who probably need a rest.
“I am not someone who decides and changes anything,” the Croat added.
Pep Guardiola’s team welcome Arsenal on Sunday, before taking on Watford in the EFL Cup at the Etihad Stadium two days later.