Barcelona defender Jules Kounde joins Tchouaméni in highlighting concerns over congested football calendar

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has echoed recent sentiments expressed by fellow footballer Aurélien Tchouaméni regarding the demanding nature of the current football calendar. In a recent interview with Clique TV, the former Sevilla center back voiced his concerns about the increasingly tight schedule. He also expressed concerns on its impact on players’ well-being.

Tchouameni’s words

Last month, Tchouaméni spoke about the issue: “Obviously, we’re playing too many matches. It’s leading to injuries. At some point, the players should do or say something. These days, it’s rare to have one match a week. It’s up to the authorities and the players to bang their fists on the table.”

“We get the impression that it’s not going to get any better with new competitions. Something has to be done. When it’s too much, it becomes a problem,” he added.

Kounde laments

Kounde also emphasized the intensity of the game, stating, “Tchouaméni said it as well, there are too many games. The rhythm has become more and more intense now, and what bothers me is that when we point this out, people say that we used to play so much. We are moving into a situation where there are more and more injuries.”

The Barcelona defender’s comments shed light on the growing discontent among players. Most of the players feel that the relentless schedule is taking a toll on their physical condition. Kounde’s words gain significance as he recently witnessed his teammate, Gavi, succumb to a serious injury in the past hours.

Recurring injuries

Gavi, the promising Spanish midfielder, suffered a torn ACL that also affected his meniscus. The extent of the injury indicates a lengthy recovery process, with Gavi expected to be sidelined until September 2024. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll imposed by the demanding fixture list.

The football community has been grappling with the issue of player welfare amidst a congested calendar. Injuries like Gavi’s only intensify the call for a more balanced and player-friendly schedule. Kounde’s vocal stance adds weight to the ongoing conversation about the need to address the challenges posed by the relentless demands of modern football.

In a display of solidarity, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez took a notable step by sending a letter to Gavi, expressing support during this challenging period. Pérez’s gesture highlights the recognition of the shared concerns across rival clubs and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing players’ well-being over the demands of a packed schedule.

Real Madrid itself has suffered a number of injuries this current campaign, with the latest reportedly being forward Rodrygo Goes returning from Brazil with a swollen knee.

As the debate on the football calendar’s intensity gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether these player voices and expressions of support from club executives will catalyze meaningful changes.

The delicate balance between commercial interests and the health of the players continues to be a central theme in football discussions, with Kounde’s recent statements providing further fuel to the ongoing discourse.

There have been eighteen anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the top two Spanish divisions this season. Real Madrid, Villarreal, Atlético and Getafe are the most affected in La Liga. Real Oviedo, a second division club alone has three.