- Bayer professionals are critical of the deadline
Bayer Leverkusen's national team players Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick criticize the growing number of matches in the new football season. Apart from international games, the professionals of the German champions also have additional matches in the expanded Champions League.
"I think we already have enough games in a season, now there are even more. The schedule is getting very crowded. You play the whole year, then have three weeks off, and then the new season is waiting with even more games," said Schick to the "Rheinische Post".
That's not quite what you wish for as a footballer, the Czech national player stated. "You have to be able to deliver, and that's getting increasingly difficult," said the center forward.
Andrich: Not beneficial for the body
DFB selection player Andrich also finds little joy in the packed schedule. "Winter breaks are getting shorter. Summer breaks for tournament players are also very short. After the season, there are still World Cup qualifiers and the FIFA Club World Cup, fortunately, we're not playing in that at the moment," explained the 29-year-old in "Kicker".
"If we're talking about a reasonable amount, we've already surpassed that a long time ago," said Andrich. At least, he plays for a club that is well-staffed to meet the demands. "For the athlete and his body, this rush is not beneficial. But for us, it's maybe also good because we have so many good players who then all get their playing time," explained Andrich.
Patrik Schick and his wife might find the increased number of matches challenging, given his statements about delivery becoming increasingly difficult. The packed schedule, as critics like Robert Andrich mention, takes a toll on the athlete's body.
