Carlo Ancelotti has drawn a firm line in the sand regarding fixture congestion, declaring that Real Madrid will refuse to play if they do not receive a minimum of 72 hours of rest between matches.
His frustration comes in the wake of Madrid’s demanding schedule, which saw them take the field for a La Liga match against Villarreal just 67 hours after an intense Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid that extended to extra time and penalties.
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Ancelotti’s Strong Stance on Fixture Scheduling
The Italian manager voiced his grievances after Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, emphasizing that such scheduling concerns will no longer be tolerated.
“I think today is the last game we will play with less than 72 hours rest. We will never do it again. We have asked La Liga twice to change the time of the game and nothing has happened, but this is the last time,” Ancelotti stated during his post-match press conference.”
Madrid reportedly requested a change to their Saturday fixture timing on two occasions, but La Liga did not grant the adjustment. League sources, however, suggested that the club did not file a formal request before the official schedule was released on February 25, as per protocol. The Champions League last-16 fixtures had been announced earlier, on February 21.
Player Well-Being at the Center of the Debate
Ancelotti’s concerns are not without merit. The debate surrounding fixture congestion and player fatigue has intensified, with unions advocating for mandatory recovery periods. The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) issued a statement reinforcing the necessity of at least 72 hours between matches to protect players’ physical and mental health.
“The explanation (for the win in the circumstances) is that this team has something special: character, commitment, so we can only thank them for their mammoth effort from January 3 until today,” Ancelotti said, praising his squad’s resilience.
Madrid’s packed calendar has contributed to mounting injury issues, an ongoing problem that Ancelotti believes is exacerbated by an overloaded schedule.
Fixture Congestion and Rising Injury Concerns
The discussion surrounding fixture congestion extends beyond La Liga. With the newly expanded Champions League format and the inaugural summer Club World Cup, elite clubs are facing an increasingly strenuous workload. Ancelotti has long been vocal about the risks posed by excessive scheduling.
“We’ve looked at what we can do (with injuries), but it’s not in our hands,” he stated in September. “The calendar is too demanding. A new competition is coming and you don’t know how it’s going to turn out. It may or may not be more entertaining.”
“But what is certain is that we have two more matches. If the governing bodies don’t start thinking that players get injured because they play too much, we have a problem. I call for the number of matches to be reduced in order to have more attractive competitions.”
Madrid has dealt with multiple injury setbacks this season, and Ancelotti has frequently attributed this to the relentless match schedule.
Real Madrid’s Scheduling Frustration Reaches Breaking Point
Ancelotti’s stance raises serious questions about Madrid’s future participation in matches that do not meet the 72-hour rest criterion. While skipping fixtures could lead to disciplinary action, Madrid appears willing to take a stand to prioritize player welfare.
The club’s next challenge comes after the international break when they return to face Leganes on March 29. Whether La Liga will reconsider its approach to scheduling remains to be seen, but Madrid’s firm stance could set a precedent for other clubs battling fixture congestion.
With the debate on player workload growing louder, the need for a more balanced football calendar has never been more urgent.
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FAQs
Why is Carlo Ancelotti refusing to play without a 72-hour rest period?
Carlo Ancelotti believes the congested fixture schedule is harming player health and performance, citing Real Madrid’s recent match against Villarreal, which was played just 67 hours after a grueling Champions League tie.
Did Real Madrid request a change in the Villarreal match schedule?
Yes, Madrid requested a time change twice, but La Liga did not approve it. However, league sources claim Madrid did not file the request before the schedule was finalized, as required by protocol.
How does the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) view this issue?
The AFE supports Ancelotti’s stance, stating that a minimum 72-hour rest period is essential for protecting players’ physical and mental well-being.
What are the major concerns regarding fixture congestion in football?
The increasing number of matches due to the expanded Champions League format and the new Club World Cup has led to more injuries, with Ancelotti calling for a reduction in games.
When is Real Madrid’s next match after the international break?
Madrid will return to action against Leganes on March 29, with their stance on fixture scheduling now a major talking point in Spanish football.
