Bernardo Silva criticises ‘completely crazy’ fixture list after FIFPRO report highlights concerns over player welfare

Bernardo Silva has criticized the footballers’ schedule overload as “completely crazy.”

According to Transfermarkt, the Manchester City midfielder made 49 appearances in all competitions for the club last season and also took part in international matches and the 2024 European Championship with Portugal.

Due to the changes to the competition, Champions League clubs will now play more games and Silva is upset at the news that City have just two days between their clash with Arsenal and their Carabao Cup match against Watford.

“The schedule is completely crazy. We just got the news that we only have one day off for the League Cup game,” he said.

“We’ll probably be playing every three days for months. That’s completely absurd.”

“If you don’t qualify for the round of 16 in the Champions League, you have to play two more games.

“It’s true that the teams are bigger, but I won’t say it’s easy. It hasn’t been easy. I spend very little time with my family and friends. The number of games we are exposed to is absolutely absurd.”

Previously, the players’ union FIFPRO had expressed concerns about an “excessive workload” on footballers in a recent report.

FIFPRO Acting Secretary General Stephane Burchkalter said: “We call on football associations to intervene urgently and introduce regulations and collective procedures that protect the welfare of players.

“The physical and mental wellbeing of players must be a priority if we are to preserve the integrity of the game. Cannibalising the competition calendar pushes players beyond their limits and interferes with their private lives.

“We need safety measures for players to limit their travel, ensure rest periods and provide them with sufficient recovery so they can perform at their best.”

FEATURED IMAGE: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images VIA ONE FOOTBALL