Rodri admits elite players are close to ‘STRIKING’ over football’s congested calendar… after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson blasted the Champions League’s new format and urged that stars are ‘tired of being ignored’

Ballon d’Or favourite Rodri revealed the world’s elite stars are considering striking over football’s increasingly hectic schedule.

The Manchester City midfielder was bullish about players being treated as commodities, admitting that the lack of rest is worrying professionals and becoming a constant source of discussion inside dressing rooms.

Pep Guardiola’s side kick off their Champions League campaign against Inter on Wednesday and could end up competing in 73 matches during a season that is not likely to finish until July given their participation in the new Club World Cup.

‘I think we are close to that [striking],’ Rodri said. ‘It’s easy to understand [why]. Ask any player and they’d say the same. If it keeps going this way it’ll come to a moment where we have no other option. It is something that worries us.

‘I think it’s too much. Someone has to take care of us, because we are the main characters of this sport, or business, or whatever you want to call it. Not everything is money or marketing, it is also the quality of the show.’

Manchester City could play up to 73 matches this season as games continue to be added to the football calendar

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson slammed the new Champions League format, with the PFA working on legal action against FIFA

Rodri echoed Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson’s criticism of an ever-expanding calendar, while the PFA are working on legal action against FIFA due to an ‘overloaded and unworkable’ schedule.

The Spain international – who featured for 5,275 minutes across 61 appearances for club and country last season – pointed towards Erling Haaland’s extended summer break as a reason for a blistering start to this term.

‘He had a long break because his country didn’t qualify for the Euros and you see you how he is performing,’ Rodri added.

‘It gives you a clue why we ask this. I think between 40 and 50 games is the amount a player can perform at the highest level. After that you drop, because it’s impossible to sustain the physical level.

‘If the people want to see better football, we need to rest. When the amount of games starts getting bigger, the performance and quality of the games gets lower.’