Speaking to GQ, Kylian Mbappé (25) has had his say on the increasingly packed footballing schedule, revealing that he is not opposed to more games, but making one important caveat.
With the multiplication of competitions in recent years, schedules have become increasingly hectic, notably drawing criticism from compatriots Aurélien Tchouaméni and Raphaël Varane. The latter, who at the age of 30 has already retired from international football, believes that careers will be shortened by fixture congestion.
However, Mbappé remains keen on competing in all competitions, including the Olympic Games, which will take place in his home city of Paris this summer. He told GQ that he wanted to participate in the competition but would understand if that wasn’t possible, given that it coincides with the start of the football season.
Mbappé not against 70 games a season, but…
Mbappé told GQ believes that the footballing calendar is moving towards the NBA model, and whilst he isn’t against such a move, he believes that squad rotation would have to become a necessary by-product, which he admits may not please everyone.
“We’re getting closer to the NBA model, with seasons of 70 games. Personally, I’m not against playing that many matches, but we won’t be able to be good every time and give the public the spectacle that they expect. In the NBA, players don’t lay every game and franchises practice load management. But if I said ‘I’m tired, I’m not playing on Saturday’, it wouldn’t go down well,” the France captain began.
He added, “The spectator who pays for their ticket, and who may only see you once during the season, wants to see a performance worthy of the name, and that’s understandable. I don’t want to preach, but we need to think together about how to offer the best solutions so that players, spectators, and football’s governing bodies can all embrace it.”
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
