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Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has voiced his frustration over the increasingly congested football calendar, claiming that players’ concerns are not being taken seriously by governing bodies.
The England captain, who is preparing for a demanding summer, pointed out the toll that back-to-back competitions take on players. Following the conclusion of major European leagues and club competitions, an international window is scheduled between June 2 and 10. Kane, alongside Bayern Munich, will then compete in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup from June 14 to July 13, leaving him with little time for rest.
Despite his passion for the game and his pursuit of silverware, the 31-year-old believes there is a lack of consideration for player welfare when scheduling fixtures.
“I don’t think the players are listened to that much, if I’m totally honest. Everyone wants their tournament, their prize, and players are the ones who have to keep going,” Kane told BBC. “I love playing football, so I’m never going to complain about that, but there needs to be a balance. If managed well, with input from coaches and clubs, players could get more rest at certain times. Right now, it’s a difficult situation.”
The issue of player fatigue has been a recurring topic in football, with other professionals, including Liverpool’s Alisson Becker and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, previously expressing concerns. The Professional Footballers’ Association has also taken action, supporting legal challenges against FIFA over what they deem an “overloaded and unworkable” schedule.
Thomas Tuchel also weighed in on the debate, suggesting that international fixtures in June might need reconsideration. “I am not so concerned about the number of games, but rather that players never have a true break,” Tuchel explained. “They should have at least three to four weeks of rest and preparation. Instead, they finish one competition and are quickly into another. The FIFA June window could be re-evaluated to better support player recovery.”
As the discussion around player workload intensifies, it remains to be seen whether football’s governing bodies will take steps to address these growing concerns.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram @harrykane, Pixababy / dimitrisvetsikas1969
