Real Madrid Considers In-Season Breaks for Players Amid Fixture Congestion Concerns

by bollywoodfever · 17/08/2024

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is exploring the possibility of giving players short holidays during the season to combat the impact of congested fixtures, especially for international players.

Bollywood Fever: Real Madrid is contemplating allowing players to take short holidays during the season due to growing concerns over the congested fixture schedule, manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed on Saturday. Ahead of their LaLiga season debut at Mallorca, Ancelotti emphasized the physical toll that the increasing number of regional and international games is taking on his squad.

Speaking at a news conference, Ancelotti said, “The players need rest, they need holidays, and we are thinking about giving individual holidays to the players during the season.” He added that these in-season breaks could be particularly beneficial for international players who rarely get a break during international windows.

Ancelotti explained that the club is assessing this approach with the medical staff and physical trainers, considering the intense demands placed on players. After securing the LaLiga and Champions League double last season, Real Madrid is aiming for up to seven titles in the 2024-25 campaign, further complicating the need to balance player health and performance.

The club’s demanding schedule includes competing in LaLiga, the Champions League, Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and the new FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Ancelotti also noted that planning for the 2025-26 season is already underway, particularly with the 2026 World Cup in mind, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Ancelotti mentioned specific examples, such as potentially giving Vinicius Jr. a few days off after international duty with Brazil, allowing him to rest instead of immediately returning to LaLiga action. “That’s the only way. Normally those players train, even if they don’t play. But we’re going to take that away, let them do what they want on those days. That’s what we’re going to do,” Ancelotti said.

The congested football calendar has been a significant issue in recent years, with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) warning FIFA in May about the potential for a strike over the overloaded schedule. Global players’ union FIFPRO, along with the PFA and the World Leagues Association (WLA), have also threatened legal action if FIFA continues to expand tournaments and create new competitions.

Real Madrid’s consideration of in-season breaks could set a precedent for other clubs facing similar challenges, as the debate over player welfare and fixture congestion continues to intensify.

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