Raphael Varane bashes FA for not cutting down on number of games: ‘Why are our opinions not being heard?’ | Cricket News
Manchester United centre back Raphael Varane has hit England’s Football Association on the rigorous annual football calendar.
Taking to Twitter, Varane wrote, “We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules. From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.
“Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?” he added.
The cry for the number of games has been an issue constantly raised the players in recent times. Following the end of European club football season, the players leaving for Nations League duties would weigh in further on the debate with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne having dubbed the competition as ‘unimportant’ in the past.
The 2022/23 season in football included a league season that was to hold owing to a Winter World Cup – owing to which the Nations League games in June were put under scanner with the players not getting enough time to recover ahead of the pre-season friendlies which began in July. For the England based sides such as United, the presence of two domestic league competitions (FA Cup and Carabao Cup) leads to more matches across the calendar year and less breaks for players. For instance, Carabao Cup fourth round games resumed on December 20, two days after the World Cup final.
“As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week. I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best,” Varane concluded.
