Heung-Min Son Calls for Reduced Fixture Workload Amid Concerns

Heung-Min Son Raises Concerns Over Player Workload

Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son has voiced his strong discontent regarding the increasing workload on players, urging football authorities to take the issue "really seriously". He joins a growing chorus of elite athletes, including Manchester City's Rodri and Liverpool's Alisson Becker, who are expressing frustration over the intensified fixture congestion that has permeated professional football.

Increased Workload Leading to Injury Risks

Son's comments come in light of Rodri's knee ligament injury sustained during the recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal, which has led to speculation about potential strike action by players due to their demanding schedules. Son emphasized the importance of quality games over quantity, stating:

"As a football fan, you want to see a quality game, not as many games as possible, and you don't want to see players struggling with injuries, which nobody wants to see."

Need for Flexible Scheduling

During the Europa League press conference ahead of Spurs' clash with Qarabag, Son remarked on the lack of flexibility in fixture scheduling, citing that teams like Manchester City had to play a match on Tuesday after a demanding Sunday fixture. According to him:

"I think it's a lot of work and the program is adding even more games. This is not fair."

Call for Action from Football's Governing Bodies

When asked about the possibility of a strike, Son clarified his stance but reiterated the need for football authorities like UEFA, the FA, and FIFA to recognize the severity of the issue. He believes that the sustainability of player health should not be compromised for profitability:

"What we want to see is high-quality games and top games with top players. This should be the aim."

Support for Teammate Rodrigo Bentancur

In addition to discussing workload, Son expressed his unwavering support for teammate Rodrigo Bentancur amidst controversy regarding an alleged racist remark made by the Uruguayan midfielder. Son emphasized his love for Bentancur and shared that the bond they have created since Bentancur's arrival in January 2022 remains strong, even after the incident:

"I love Rodrigo. I love him, I love him. He knows he made a mistake, but I've no problem at all with him. We move on as teammates and friends."

Conclusion: Balancing Engagement and Player Welfare

As players like Heung-Min Son confront the realities of their demanding schedules, it becomes essential for football authorities to recognize the implications on player health and game quality. Ensuring that players can perform at their best should remain a top priority while fostering strong team dynamics and player camaraderie is equally crucial.

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Tottenham's Heung-Min Son criticizes the workload on players and calls on football authorities to prioritize player welfare amid risks of injury.