For Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the overload of the calendar is a consequence of the increasing increase in players’ salaries.
“The players trapped themselves,” Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in an interview with German media outlet Kicker. The former Bayern Munich star deplores the exorbitant salaries demanded by footballers, pushing clubs to generate ever more revenue… and therefore more matches.
“It’s a trap that the players and their advisors have somewhat fallen into themselves. By demanding ever higher salaries, they force the clubs to generate ever greater revenues. And where does this revenue come from? More matches (…) All parties concerned should come together and calmly discuss the mechanisms necessary to return to more sensible and rational times,” explains the ex-German international.
He approves the new Champions League
Therefore, the former Bayern striker looks very favorably on the new format of the Champions League, which, despite the increase in matches, will strengthen the quality of the competition. “Before, the group stage was boring, because after four matches most of the clubs were already set. Now it’s more difficult, even for the big clubs, to qualify. Anything more difficult arouses concern. “interest”, slipped the German.
The ex-Interist also believes in the Club World Cup, although it is strongly criticized by the players for its contribution to additional matches during the season. “It will be a fantastic tournament, I am convinced.”
Players push for strike
This exit from Rummenigge comes as for several weeks, certain players, Rodri on the front line, have been threatening to strike, protesting against the ever-increasing schedules. “If you ask any player, they will tell you, it’s a general opinion,” the Manchester City midfielder replied at a press conference. And less than a week after his statements, the Spaniard injured his right knee ligaments against Arsenal, making him unavailable for a while.
“The strike is the only solution we see in order to be able to stop this because every year it gets worse and worse,” added Aymeric Laporte in Rothen ignites on RMC on October 8. Several players also expressed their support for this initiative, including Jules Koundé and Dani Carvajal, who was also away from the field for several months.
