Erik ten Hag discusses the football schedule of Manchester United

Manchester United Manager Raises Concerns Over Football Schedule

The football schedule has once again come under scrutiny as Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expresses his concern over the physical toll it takes on players. With domestic competitions resuming after another international break, Ten Hag highlights the demanding fixture list his team is facing.

In a span of just six days, Manchester United will be playing three away games – starting with Everton on Sunday, followed by a Champions League match against Turkish side Galatasaray next Wednesday, and then Newcastle next Saturday.

Ten Hag is not alone in voicing these concerns. Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has also criticized the packed calendar earlier this week, stating that it has reached its limits if not exceeded them.

“On Thursday I heard the statements of Thomas Tuchel. Every manager is complaining about the schedule,” said Ten Hag. “But still they keep adding more games to an already congested schedule.”

This issue becomes even more pressing when considering that two additional group stage games will be introduced in future editions of the Champions League from 2024-25 onwards.

“Next year they will add two more games and we have already achieved the limits,” Ten Hag added. “I think we have already crossed the limits of what players can handle.”

Rising Physical Standards and International Breaks

Taking into account this season’s physical demands within Premier League matches so far – which are reportedly higher compared to last year – Ten Hag emphasizes that teams must make a choice: either match these standards through rigorous training and preparation or suffer the consequences.

“Every team knows you have to suffer and sacrifice. If you want to prepare for games, at certain moments you have to go to certain physical levels to match those standards – and those standards are not set by us, but set by the opposition,” Ten Hag explained.

Adding further fuel to the fire is the fact that there have already been three international breaks in this season alone, with players having minimal time for rest and recovery between club and national team duties.

Financial Fair Play Rules

Ten Hag was also asked about financial fair play rules in light of Everton’s recent 10-point deduction for breaching financial regulations. Manchester City has also faced scrutiny over rule breaches earlier this year.

The United manager acknowledges that such rules do impose limitations on squad construction. While fans may desire new signings, adhering to financial fair play regulations ensures fairness across all clubs when it comes to balancing their budgets.

“It gives you limitations. You tell me ‘bring this player in’, but you have to match the FFP rules,” said Ten Hag. “In those rules, you have to construct the best squad possible.”

A Glimmer of Hope

In light of these challenges, both managers and players alike hope for a more balanced football schedule moving forward – one that takes into account player welfare while still delivering quality matches for fans around the world.