Barcelona is pushing back against the congested football calendar, criticizing the Spanish Football Federation and La Liga for their scheduling methods. The club argues that teams still competing in multiple tournaments this season deserve special consideration, saying, “this isn’t a new problem, and while organizing a calendar with so many games is tough, Barcelona will keep fighting for its interests with national and international bodies to make more sense of it.”
The club plans to file a formal complaint with Spanish football authorities to prevent situations that could harm players. This move follows coach Hansi Flick’s criticism of the current schedule, saying he’s never seen anything like it. Flick pointed out that other leagues protect their players, and Barcelona’s busy schedule is taking a toll.
In just 21 days, Barcelona has played eight games, with no full week of training since the March international break. The team is currently leading La Liga, four points ahead of Real Madrid, and is set to face them in the Copa del Rey final. They also have a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan coming up.
The Toll on Players
The congested schedule is raising concerns about player welfare. Barcelona’s complaint highlights the need for a more balanced calendar that considers the demands on top teams. The club is not alone in its criticism, as many teams and coaches have expressed concerns about the impact of a packed schedule on player health and performance.