Fri Sep 20 13:12:19 UTC 2024: ## Footballers Cry Foul: Chelsea Boss Echoes Player Concerns Over Packed Calendar

**LONDON, UK -** Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has joined a growing chorus of voices calling for change to the football calendar, echoing player concerns over the mounting workload.

Maresca, speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s London derby against West Ham, stated that “players are offered no protection” by the current schedule and that “in terms of games, it’s too much.”

He added that “the only ones that can do something is the players,” commending recent player statements expressing their concerns, which he believes “are a good starting point” for positive change.

This issue has garnered significant attention in recent weeks, following Manchester City midfielder Rodri’s call for player strike action if workload issues aren’t addressed. His comments have been met with support from fellow players, including Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) and Jules Koundé (Barcelona). Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti even suggested players might accept lower wages in exchange for fewer games.

Chelsea itself has taken steps to manage player workload, leaving Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia out of their UEFA Conference League squad.

The club currently sits eighth in the Premier League after four games and will look to bounce back from their last weekend’s win against Bournemouth with a strong performance against West Ham, with Enzo Fernández and new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall both declared fit for the trip. However, captain Reece James and Malo Gusto remain sidelined due to injuries.

This growing debate over player workload is likely to continue as the season progresses and the demands on players remain intense.

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