Barcelona and Real Madrid stars back Rodri's 'strike' over football calendar

Jules Kounde and Dani Carvajal have echoed Rodri's comments that players feel as if they have no voice when it comes to the impact that a congested football calendar has on their welfare.

The Manchester City star made headlines this week after claiming that players could go on strike to make a stand over the overwhelming number of fixtures in this season's calendar. His comments came, in particular, after UEFA's new Champions League format commenced - forcing teams to engage in more regular fixtures to bring about more exciting clashes earlier in the competition.

His thoughts, also backed by Liverpool shot stopper Alisson, have provoked more stars to speak out to share their feelings on the increased number of games.

"I agree with everything Rodri said," he said ahead of Barcelona's clash with Monaco in the Champions League. "The calendar is getting longer every year, we have more matches and less time off.

"We have been saying this for a long time and nobody pays attention to us, neither the players nor the coaches are listened to. There will come a time when we will have to go on strike because it's the only way for those who decide to understand us.

"We take more and more risks, there are more injuries because there is less time off. Now with the Club World Cup, we are going to reach around 70 matches per season, which is crazy. If things haven't changed, it's because we need to get organised and communicate more."

"I think if you ask any footballer, they will tell you the same thing. It is not just Rodri's opinion," Real Madrid star Carvajal said. "I think it is the opinion of the players and, if this continues, there will come a time when there is no other option. I don't know what will happen, but it is something that worries us because we are the ones who suffer it."

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