OLE’S WORRY OVER BURNOUT OF STARS
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER fears the new Champions League format puts quantity ahead of quality. At the end of a week when UEFA headed off the threat of a European Super League, the Manchester United boss questioned the wisdom of asking football’s elite performers to play even more games after Europe’s top club competition was revamped.
There will be 225 Champions League games from the 2024-25 season – up from the current 125 – with 36 teams involved.
Solskjaer understands this will generate more revenue from TV cash and gate receipts but feels UEFA are failing in their duty of care for players.
The United boss said: “The new format gives the players more games and we need to look after the players so they can play at their best level.
“I know there’s money in it but they are human beings.
“I want the best possible product, the best possible games of football and the magic of a final or semi-final has to be there.we’re moving towards the end of this season and players are playing every two to three days. It’s hard to play at your maximum level after a long, long season.
“Of course players want to be part of a final. Of course they want to be part of a Euros or World Cup.
But are we preparing them to play at the highest standard?” United captain Harry Maguire led a dressing room revolt at Old Trafford when plans for the Super League were announced last weekend. Within 24 hours it was clear the breakaway was untenable as players, managers and fans reacted with fury.
But UEFA pushed through plans for an expanded Champions League that will see each team play 10 different clubs in a seeded league, with 16 progressing to the knockout stages.
Solskjaer warned that the hectic schedule prompted by the pandemic cannot be repeated indefinitely. He said: “We have to listen to the players, of course.
“Everyone knows this year has been particularly difficult and special.and I think football has been a release for everyone in terms of the sanity and mental health of people and the players. We’ve been privileged to play games.
“The product will be better when the fans are back – and even better when we get a couple more days between games. Listen to the fans, listen to the players and listen to us managers.”