Yahoo News Rodri agrees with Alisson Becker over Liverpool frustration as 'strike' action possible
Manchester City star Rodri has joined Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker in criticising the disregard for player welfare. With the new-look Champions League getting underway when the Reds kick-off in the San Siro against AC Milan, it begins the first of an eight-game league campaign.
The change for the elite European competition comes during a period where player welfare is a hot topic for some of the global starts in football. Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken about the issue in the past, while Kevin de Bruyne has echoed the defenders concerns.
While Liverpool have not qualified for the Club World Cup, the tournament is also set for a change, with City and Chelsea set to participate in the competition next year. The evolution sees more games wedged into the playing schedule, following an already hectic summer with the Olympics, European Champions and Copa America last summer.
READ MORE: Liverpool line-ups for AC Milan as Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa decisions made
Speaking ahead of City's curtain-raiser against the Serie A outfit, Rodri admitted the worry over the substantial amount of games that footballers are playing.
"I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand. 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," he said.
"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 lets see. I don’t know what’s going to happen but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.
"I can only tell you about my club and national team, but it is something we are worried [about]. It is not the same for all the players, not all play 60 games, but all of us think the same.
"It’s about the time we have for a break, many things. It is something we are worried. As we said before let’s see what it brings us all these things."
His comments come after Alisson's outspoken admission prior to Liverpool's Champions League opener in Milan. The Brazilian lamented the powers in control as he believes no solution is close.
He said: "Sometimes nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games. Maybe our opinion doesn't matter, but everybody knows what we think about having more games. Everybody's tired of that.
"So many players have spoken already about it, we just need to be listened to. If you are tired you cannot compete at a high level. What I want is to give my best in all the games I play.
"At the moment it doesn't look like we are close to a solution for football's sake and for the players' sake."
