Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann calls for review of breaks in football amidst growing number of matches

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has raised concerns about the growing number of matches in football competitions, sparking talk of a potential player strike. Nagelsmann, speaking ahead of Friday’s Nations League game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the need for a review of breaks in the sport to ensure the well-being of players.

With the expanded Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup formats, as well as larger national team competitions, top teams and players are facing an increasingly packed schedule. Despite calls to reduce the number of games, Nagelsmann believes that the trend of more matches is likely to continue in the future.

“I have often said that I won’t complain about the calendar. A lot of matches are financing this sport,” Nagelsmann stated during a press conference. “You have to have a healthy balance. I don’t think there will be fewer games in the future. There will be more matches and we should be talking about how to structure the breaks (between competitions).”

Drawing comparisons to other sports leagues like the NBA and NFL, Nagelsmann highlighted the significant breaks that players in those leagues have between seasons, unlike football players who often have minimal time off. This lack of rest is particularly challenging for top footballers who are constantly in action with their national teams and now have to navigate the demands of the new Club World Cup format.

While FIFA has defended its calendar as necessary, UEFA president has downplayed the issue, stating that it only affects a minority of players. As the Germans gear up to face the Netherlands in the Nations League, Nagelsmann’s comments shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding player welfare and the need for a reevaluation of the current schedule in football.