Sun Sep 15 16:00:08 UTC 2024: ## Manchester City Defender Akanji Warns of “Relentless” Schedule, Fears Early Retirement

**Manchester, England** – Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has expressed concerns over the increasingly packed football calendar, joking that he might have to retire at the age of 30 due to the relentless fixture schedule. The Swiss international, who joined City in 2021, has played an impressive 127 games for club and country in the past two years.

Akanji’s comments come at a time when football authorities are facing growing criticism over the number of games crammed into each season. With the introduction of a new, expanded Champions League format and the upcoming Club World Cup, players are facing a grueling schedule with minimal rest.

“You don’t just think about this season – but also next season,” Akanji said. “Let’s say we win the league or cup, then go to the final of the Club World Cup; the Community Shield is three weeks after. So when do we have holidays?”

The defender highlighted the lack of winter breaks, adding: “There’s no end to it. We train as hard as possible and we are fit – but there has to be a limit.”

His concerns are shared by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), who are threatening legal action against FIFA over the Club World Cup. The Premier League has also joined the legal action, amid concerns that FIFA wants to reduce the number of teams in major European leagues.

“It’s just game after game and I don’t know how it will work out over the next couple of years,” Akanji added. “You can’t just keep adding game after game and assume everything will be like it was. You have to think about the players as well. At some point you’ll be too tired to play any more games. And then come injuries, definitely.”

Akanji’s candid remarks serve as a stark reminder of the toll the demanding schedule can take on players. The question now is whether football authorities will take heed and implement changes to ensure the wellbeing of those who make the sport so captivating.

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