Aheed Abrar
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane accuses FA of not listening to players’ concerns
Raphael Varane, who plays for Manchester United, has shared his concerns regarding the FA’s recommendation of making the games longer.
The fixture schedule has already been congested over the last few years. First, Covid-19 disrupted the season. Then, we had the EURO 2020 campaign. The Nations League also continues to be played.
In recent months, a lot of football has been played. The 2022 World Cup forced clubs into a break midway through the season. Players like Varane had to then travel to Qatar to feature for their respective national teams.
The French national made it to the final of the prestigious tournament and looked knackered against Argentina. The South Americans ended up being crowned champions.
Varane, 30, had to subsequently come back and feature for the Old Trafford side in competitive matches without much of a break. The centre-back also ended up picking up an injury in April.
After a congested schedule, it felt like the powers that be needed to tinker with a few things to ease the load on players. However, the opposite of that has happened. Taking to Twitter, the French national shared his frustration.
“From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.
“Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?”
An example of the new rules was seen during the Community Shield fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal on Sunday (6 August) at Wembley Stadium. In the end, eight minutes were added on despite there seemingly not being a lot of stoppages in the second half.
While the Gunners will be glad about the scenario, having scored the equaliser in stoppage time, it will arguably take a lot from most players if they have to play for extended periods week in, week out.
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Varane is absolutely right in conveying his feelings. However, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will heed the advice in the weeks to come.
