Manchester City midfielder Rodri: Overloaded players 'close' to strike

Manchester City midfielder Rodri told reporters on Tuesday that players were "close" to launching a strike, after having to play more and more games every season.

"I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand," the Spanish playmaker said. "I think it's something general. I think if you ask any player, he will say the same. It is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever."

Rodri made a total of 63 appearances in all competitions for City last season, and continued to play for Spain in the UEFA European Championship until the final on July 14.

"I think it's the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think, but let's see," he added. "I don't know what's going to happen, but it's something that worries us, because we are the guys that suffer."

City will host Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium to open their UEFA Champions League campaign on Wednesday. Heavyweight teams like City are used to playing in multiple competitions over the course of a season, but the load has continued to increase in recent years.

"I don't have an exact number," Rodri said. "From my experience, I can tell you that 60-70 [games a season]? No. Between 40 or 50 is the amount of games in which a player can perform at the highest level. After that you drop, because it is impossible to sustain the physical level. This year we can go to 70, maybe 80, I don't know. It depends how far you go in the competitions. In my humble opinion, I think it is too much."

Manchester City will compete for titles in Premier League, FA (Football Association) Cup, EFL (English Football League) Cup, Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup this season, which means the team's players could end up making as many as 85 appearances by the end of the 2024-25 campaign.