Kevin De Bruyne Points to Culprits Behind Injury Crisis
The Belgian midfielder was clear and emphatic. "They keep adding extra matches," he said, emphasizing that money matters more than the health of the players.
Kevin De Bruyne has recently voiced strong criticism against the relentless football calendar that players face season after season, particularly those competing for multiple titles.
The Manchester City midfielder has pointed the finger at FIFA and UEFA, whom he holds responsible for the increasing number of fixtures.
De Bruyne's concerns come amid a spate of injuries affecting players at both club and international levels. "The real problem will emerge after the Club World Cup," De Bruyne stated.
"We know there will be only three weeks between the Club World Cup final and the first Premier League match. So, we have three weeks to rest and prepare for another 80 matches."
The Belgian international has been outspoken about these issues before, but his recent comments highlight a growing frustration. He points out that while this year might be manageable, the future looks grim.
"Maybe this year things will be okay, but next year could be problematic. The Professional Footballers' Association in England and other player associations have tried to find solutions. The issue is that UEFA and FIFA keep adding extra matches, and we can raise concerns, but no solutions have been found. It seems that money speaks louder than the players' voices," De Bruyne added.
This critique underscores the broader debate over player welfare and the impact of a congested fixture list on athletes' health and performance.