Bernardo Silva has expressed his frustration with the current football schedule while on international break, citing a lack of time spent with his family.
Busy Football Schedule Annoys Bernardo Silva
Silva has criticized the upcoming football schedule while representing Portugal, as Manchester City is facing a demanding fixture list with three games per week for the foreseeable future.
Describing the schedule as ‘absurd’, Silva, aged 30, voiced his concerns about the limited time he will have to be with his family due to the high frequency of matches within a short timeframe.
“I think there are two distinct issues at play here. When players voice their complaints, there is often the response that they shouldn’t complain about their privileged lives. While that may be true as we are living out our dreams, the scheduling is undeniably unreasonable.
“We were just informed that we will only have one day off between the English League Cup game against Arsenal and the subsequent match against Watford. If we remain in all competitions, we are looking at a schedule of matches every three days for months to come.”
Silva is not alone in his discontent with the congested schedule, as many players have returned from a busy summer of international tournaments straight into domestic football fixtures.
The Manchester City midfielder also criticized the new Champions League format, which now includes two additional group stage matches before progressing to the playoff stage and round of 16.
“It’s absolutely absurd. In the Champions League, even if you fail to advance to the round of 16, you are still required to play two more games. While squads may be larger now, it doesn’t make the situation any easier.
“I have very limited time to spend with my family and friends. The number of matches we are expected to play is truly excessive.”
Portugal is set to face Scotland in the Nations League during the international break before Silva returns to Manchester City, where he will be tasked with playing five games within a span of just two weeks for the Premier League title holders.
