Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has expressed his concern over the grueling football schedule that has left players and managers alike grappling with exhaustion. As domestic competitions resume following another international break, Ten Hag’s remarks shed light on the demanding nature of the sport’s calendar.
Manchester United currently finds themselves in eighth place on the Premier League table, and their upcoming fixtures are nothing short of challenging. In a span of just six days, the team is set to embark on a demanding journey of three away games. Their itinerary includes clashes with Everton on Sunday, a Champions League showdown with Turkish side Galatasaray on Wednesday, and a Premier League encounter against Newcastle the following Saturday.
Ten Hag’s frustration with the overcrowded schedule is shared by many of his peers in the footballing world. “Every manager is complaining about the schedule,” he remarked, emphasizing the universal concern among those responsible for the well-being of their players.
The sentiments expressed by Ten Hag echo those of Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, who earlier in the week stated, “the calendar is at the absolute limit, if not over it.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with many, as the demands on footballers continue to increase.
Furthermore, Ten Hag highlighted the relentless nature of the schedule, which seems to be ever-expanding. “On Thursday I heard the statements of Thomas Tuchel, every manager, but still they keep adding games to the schedule,” he said. “Next year they will add two more games, and we have already achieved the limits. I think we have already crossed the limits of what players can handle.”
The challenges posed by the schedule are exacerbated by the upcoming European Championship, set to be hosted in Germany next summer, a mere 18 months after the World Cup in Qatar. In the current season alone, there have already been three international breaks, further straining the players’ physical and mental stamina.
Ten Hag emphasized the importance of smart preparation in coping with the rigorous schedule. “What we see now in the first 12 Premier League games, the physical standards are even higher in comparison to last year. You have a choice to make. Either you match it by training and preparation, or you drop off,” he explained. “You have to do it smart. 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.”
In addition to discussing the football schedule, Ten Hag touched upon the topic of financial fair play rules. This conversation comes on the heels of Everton’s recent 10-point deduction for breaching financial regulations and Manchester City’s referral to an independent commission over numerous rule breaches earlier this year.
Ten Hag emphasized the importance of adhering to these rules, stating, “It gives you limitations. You tell me ‘bring this player in,’ but you have to match the FFP rules, in those rules you have to construct the best squad possible.” He stressed that fairness is essential, with all clubs expected to follow the established rules to maintain a level playing field.
As the footballing world grapples with the challenges of a packed schedule and financial regulations, managers like Erik ten Hag continue to advocate for the well-being of their players and the integrity of the sport. In a world where the demands on athletes are continually increasing, the discussion surrounding these issues is more critical than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Football Schedule Challenges
What is the main concern raised by Erik ten Hag regarding the football schedule?
Erik ten Hag is concerned that the football schedule has become excessively demanding, crossing the limits of what players can handle, with multiple games in a short span.
How many away games does Manchester United face in a span of six days?
Manchester United faces three away games in just six days: Everton, Galatasaray (Champions League), and Newcastle.
Why are football managers like Erik ten Hag and Thomas Tuchel complaining about the schedule?
Football managers are voicing their complaints about the schedule because they believe it has reached its limits in terms of the physical and mental toll it takes on players, yet more games are continuously added.
What point does Erik ten Hag make about financial fair play rules?
Ten Hag emphasizes that financial fair play rules impose limitations on clubs, requiring them to adhere to the rules when constructing their squads. It ensures fairness and maintains a level playing field among clubs.
More about Football Schedule Challenges
- BBC Sport – Manchester United: Erik ten Hag on football schedule
- Premier League Official Website
- Champions League Official Website
- Financial Fair Play Rules Explained
