The managers of Manchester City and Liverpool have spoken out about a problem that is likely to affect both sets of players.
The Premier League has come under fire in recent weeks following its 10-point sanction of Everton in an effort to crack down on rule violations.
In its 31 years of existence, the competition has grown exponentially to reach a stratospheric realm that has to go down as one of England’s finest productions. The 2021/22 season generated a record £5.5 billion in revenue, which is expected to rise as the years pass.
TV broadcasting rights account for a significant portion of the revenue, which helps to expand the game to ever-increasing audiences. These rights packages include the ability for broadcasters to choose which games are chosen for which game slots.
Aside from the traditional 3 p.m. blackout, TNT Sports currently has control over which matches are shown in the Saturday lunchtime slot, while Sky Sports controls the majority of the rest. Many Premier League managers are dissatisfied with the early kick-off times.
Following a draw with Brighton in 2020, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had a famous on-air spat with interviewer Des Kelly about the issue. The presenter correctly pointed out that the time slot argument was one for the Premier League, which provides coverage.
Klopp’s team is scheduled to travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday for a 12.30pm kickoff against Manchester City. Klopp has complained about the quick turnaround for players returning from international duty, particularly those in South America.
“How can you schedule a game like this at 12.30 p.m. on Saturday?” “The people making these decisions cannot feel football, it is simply not possible,” Klopp said. “And it is at this point that the entire world pays the most to watch a football game.”
“These two teams could have around 30 international players combined.” By the way, all of the South American players return on the same plane. We put them on the plane from Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, and they all fly back together. One game, one plane, and they all return. All we have to do now is make sure we’re prepared for this game.”
Guardiola had previously slammed the schedule after his team’s 3-1 win over West Ham. “These guys were playing 90 minutes for their national teams, and [Julian Alvarez] came all the way from Bolivia, and Ederson came all the way from Brazil.” It’s extremely exhausting for them.
“Just look at how many injuries there are across all teams.” Look at [Edson] Alvarez of West Ham, who is out after 15/20 minutes of the second half.
“Why? He’s traveled 12 to 13 hours from South America to play against City. We do not treat the players well. We are completely irresponsible in our treatment of the players.”
Later that month, he urged players to take a stand against UEFA and FIFA in order to effect change, claiming that managers are not being heard. Given the hectic post-Covid schedule, as well as a mid-season World Cup, it’s no surprise that clubs, including City, are suffering from so many injuries.
Perhaps Saturday’s game will be more about who can recover and regroup the fastest rather than who has the best precision.
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