Barcelona defender threatens to strike
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has made a huge claim following comments made by Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
The new Champions League format and the upcoming inaugural Club World Cup have put more pressure on professional players at the highest level, with an increase in games.
Spain international Rodri was asked if footballers could even force a strike. The Premier League star replied: “I think we are close to that […] If you ask any player he will say the same; it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever. It’s the general opinion of the players.
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“And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option. It’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.”
Barcelona man Kounde has now concurred with the sentiment. The Frenchman was quizzed on the matter ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League opener against AS Monaco.
He said via GFFN: “I agree with everything that he (Rodri) said. The calendar gets bigger every year, more games, less rest,” began the France international.
He continued: “We have been saying it for three or four years. The protagonists, the players, we aren’t being heard. We will get to a point where we have to go on strike because the truth is that it is the only way to be heard.
“When you play in the Club World Cup too, there will be even more games and even less rest. There will be 70 matches a season, which is madness.”
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