Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has slammed UEFA's new Champions League format and said tired players' opinions do not matter to football's organisers as the calendar becomes even more congested for this season.
Tired stars are growing frustrated at football authorities for adding more games to an already jam-packed calendar as Tuesday sees the new 'Swiss model' come into force, where clubs will have to play at least eight league stage matches in European competition.
And Alisson says that although it is great for fans to see more games, it is taking its toll on the players – who were not consulted about the changes. 'For the supporters, it is amazing – more games, more bigger games,' said the Brazil No 1 ahead of Liverpool's clash with AC Milan.
'For us players, it is good that you are going to play against the best in Europe. But it is always a good idea to add some games to the calendar that is not busy… I am being a little bit ironic! Sometimes, nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games.
'So maybe our opinion does not matter. But everybody knows what we think. Everybody is tired of it. It is a matter of sitting down all together and listening to all the parties. We have the media and TV, UEFA and FIFA, Premier League, domestic competitions.
'We are not stupid and understand that. We understand that people want more games. But the reasonable thing would be, all the people I mentioned – those who make the calendar – to sit together and listen to all the parties inclusive of the players.'
Manchester City and Chelsea will be the English representatives in next summer's new-look Club World Cup and those teams could, theoretically, see this season run from August 17 of this year to July 13 of 2025.
City star and Spain's European Championship winner Rodri, a Ballon d'Or favourite, said this summer that he 'cannot do it any more' in terms of fixture congestion. 'There comes a moment when it all comes together and it's too much,' he said.
'You need your physical condition to play but the head is important as well. People only see the game but there's the pre-game, preparation, travel, time away in the hotel, you're 'in' the game. Sincerely, something needs to be done.
'There is more and more (games) and it looks like it isn't about to stop. You have to take care of the players. I am very conscious of that. I have reached a point where I can't (do it) any more.'
Alisson was pushed on this and added: 'I think so many players have spoken already about that. We just need to be listened to. Sit together and understand what is the thinking of the directions football wants to go. Not only adding games, competitions, adding this and that.
'What we want is to give our best to football, if you are tired you cannot compete at a high level. I want to give my best in all the games I play but we need a solution. It does not look like we are close to a good solution for football and player sake.'
AbdulZaks008
0
Honestly I'm not supporting this new UCL format... It's just pathetic
iceprinceamarni1989
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I think the football players needs an association called Players Representative Council that will work in favour of them during Fifa,Uefa decisions about tournaments.Players needs to be fit for players.There should be a voting for the Representative concil to either support or not support tournaments.They can just do what the like.
kk bro
Maubcptuyz
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You’re coach should rest you,if you feel tired communicate with him...let’s others play
Dekclmnu
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100% correct Alison, substitutes are just 5 not 11 so many players will feel the effects of excessive football.
Richcapone442
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I think the football players needs an association called Players Representative Council that will work in favour of them during Fifa,Uefa decisions about tournaments.Players needs to be fit for players.There should be a voting for the Representative concil to either support or not support tournaments.They can just do what the like.
Man they’re been paid huge wages and some make the teams go broke this formats are making it even for club owners to also get money
Cieeloruz
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This is what happend when u face the reality that Li VAR Fool is Not very good & will lose more games like Nottingham Forest
you dey Jones
niuabclosy
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old man,go on retirement
jarvis_nindeh_cr7
1
Alison is being stupid. That is the reason teams have substitutes. If u can't play all games then rest for ur reserves to take their chances too. While do this players complain after being paid huge sums of salaries weekly. If i am FIFA or club owners u will play till i see blood. If u have Fati que, u can rest for one or two matches and give ur réserves a chance to prove them selves too. U must not play in all games
mapbcelt
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money will ruin / is ruining / has ruined football, like it ruins everything else. capitalism is killing us all. choose compassion and love over money x
iceprinceamarni1989
0
I think the football players needs an association called Players Representative Council that will work in favour of them during Fifa,Uefa decisions about tournaments.Players needs to be fit for players.There should be a voting for the Representative concil to either support or not support tournaments.They can just do what the like.
2muchmoney
0
Blame greedy UEFA from nowhere they brought UEFA national league from 6 match of group state they turn it into 8 match from nowhere’s UEFA conference league and you and you expect FIFA to sit down and be looking why they make money money than FIFA on till one player died on the pitch before UEFA we learn and I’m sure in 5-10 years to gone they’ll gone up with another competition
wusbmnrsz
2
This is what happend when u face the reality that Li VAR Fool is Not very good & will lose more games like Nottingham Forest