Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, among many others, have recently criticized the tight schedule that big teams are subjected to. Son agrees and joins the protest.
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Son Heung-min has become the latest voice in a growing chorus of elite footballers speaking out against the grueling schedules they face throughout the season.
As the demands on players continue to increase, particularly for those playing at the highest level, Son’s comments reflect a deep concern shared by many within the footballing community. The South Korean international, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur, emphasized the toll that the packed calendar takes on players, both physically and mentally.
In his remarks, Son highlighted the challenge of finding time to properly recover between matches. With games often scheduled just days apart, players frequently have little time to rest and recuperate. This lack of recovery time not only leads to mental and physical fatigue but also significantly increases the risk of injury. "There is often not enough time to recover physically and mentally from fatigue, and the risk of injury is very high when that happens," Son noted. This statement resonates with numerous other top players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Rodri, who have similarly expressed frustrations over the number of matches they are expected to play each season.
Son’s comments are particularly timely, given the increasingly congested football calendar. With domestic leagues, European competitions, and international duties all placing significant demands on players, it has become a common sight to see top athletes playing two or even three times a week. This is exacerbated by long-distance travel, which adds further strain to already exhausted players.
The 31-year-old forward went on to underline the importance of prioritizing player welfare, stating that the ultimate goal should be to maintain the quality of the game rather than simply increasing the quantity of matches. "Many players have spoken out and said the right things, and I think it was very important that someone did," he said, acknowledging that players often bear the brunt of a system that prioritizes commercial interests. "There are definitely too many games, and football fans or people who love football want to see quality in the game. They don’t want to see the maximum number of games possible, nor players suffering from injuries."
Son’s words reflect a broader concern that has been gaining traction in recent years. As commercial pressures continue to mount, with broadcasters and sponsors pushing for more content, players are left caught in a relentless cycle of games, often with little regard for their well-being. For Son, the solution is clear: reduce the number of matches to ensure that players can perform at their best. "We are not robots," he reminded the audience, "so I think we need to address this, reduce the number of games, and be able to play with more quality. That should be the goal."
The timing of Son’s comments, made during a press conference ahead of Tottenham’s Europa League group stage match against Twente, adds further weight to his argument. With the European football season now in full swing, Tottenham faces not only domestic Premier League fixtures but also the added pressure of European competition. Son’s candid remarks suggest that players are increasingly aware of the unsustainable nature of the current schedule.
In addition to the physical demands of playing multiple matches each week, Son also touched on the psychological impact of the constant pressure to perform. "Sometimes we are not mentally or physically prepared, and when we step onto the field, the risk of injury is huge," he explained. The forward’s remarks highlight the mental strain that can accompany such a relentless schedule, with players often expected to be at their peak for every game, regardless of the toll taken on their bodies and minds.
Son’s stance is one that echoes calls from various quarters of the footballing world for reform. With the recent introduction of new competitions and expanded formats, such as the UEFA Nations League and the revised Champions League, the pressure on top-level players has only intensified. Football’s governing bodies, including FIFA and UEFA, have been criticized for not doing enough to address player welfare, as they continue to expand tournaments to accommodate commercial interests.
As Son and his Tottenham teammates prepare for their next challenge in the Europa League, the debate around the overloaded football calendar is unlikely to fade. Increasingly, players, coaches, and even fans are calling for a more sustainable approach to scheduling, one that prioritizes the health and well-being of those on the pitch. Whether or not these concerns will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen, but for Son, the message is clear: fewer games, better football, and a safer environment for the sport’s biggest stars.
Updated: 03:37, 25 Sep 2024
