Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has expressed his frustration over the potential fixture pile-up in December, saying it would be "irresponsible" for his team to play two games in 54 hours. The team's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal is scheduled for December 16, which would put them up against Manchester City on December 14 and KuPS in the Conference League on December 18.
Glasner believes that playing multiple matches in such a short period would be detrimental to his players' welfare. "I think it would be irresponsible for the players," he said. "And everybody has a responsibility for the players. And we have to look after their welfare."
The manager also questioned why FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League, and the EFL did not discuss this issue beforehand. "It's not so surprising that this can happen," he added. "And now they're finding something where you can't find a solution? Get it organised and sorted before."
Glasner suggested an alternative date for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, which could be played on Christmas Eve or January 1, depending on their schedule.
In related news, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his concerns over fixture congestion. "I don't think that is fair (if the match is rescheduled) because we have other competitions as well," he said. "We knew at the start of the season the competitions that each club is playing in, so on balance we have to try to accommodate the best possible way for everybody."
Arteta emphasized the importance of prioritizing players' welfare and supporters' interests when making decisions about fixtures.
The Professional Footballers' Association has also weighed in on the issue. "Across football there are too many competitions trying to fit too many games into not enough days," they stated. "This isn’t a theoretical debate about player welfare. It’s an unavoidable, practical fact that the calendar doesn't work."
It seems unlikely that the fixture congestion will be resolved without further discussion and planning between the relevant governing bodies.
Glasner believes that playing multiple matches in such a short period would be detrimental to his players' welfare. "I think it would be irresponsible for the players," he said. "And everybody has a responsibility for the players. And we have to look after their welfare."
The manager also questioned why FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League, and the EFL did not discuss this issue beforehand. "It's not so surprising that this can happen," he added. "And now they're finding something where you can't find a solution? Get it organised and sorted before."
Glasner suggested an alternative date for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, which could be played on Christmas Eve or January 1, depending on their schedule.
In related news, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his concerns over fixture congestion. "I don't think that is fair (if the match is rescheduled) because we have other competitions as well," he said. "We knew at the start of the season the competitions that each club is playing in, so on balance we have to try to accommodate the best possible way for everybody."
Arteta emphasized the importance of prioritizing players' welfare and supporters' interests when making decisions about fixtures.
The Professional Footballers' Association has also weighed in on the issue. "Across football there are too many competitions trying to fit too many games into not enough days," they stated. "This isn’t a theoretical debate about player welfare. It’s an unavoidable, practical fact that the calendar doesn't work."
It seems unlikely that the fixture congestion will be resolved without further discussion and planning between the relevant governing bodies.
u can just imagine how tired & stressed out those players r going to b with 2 games in 54 hours lol what's next, playing a league match on the same day as their wedding 
but seriously, its all about prioritizing player welfare & supporters interests. i think cristian runaru @cristiannoble should start talking about this more often bc he was part of that protest in london last yr 
The players need some R&R, you know? And it's not just about them, it's about everyone involved in the game - the fans, the staff... everyone's gotta take care of each other. I think it's great that Arteta and the PFA are speaking up too, we need to make sure our teams are taking care of their players. Maybe they can reschedule those games for Christmas or New Year's? That way, everyone can relax and enjoy the holiday season 
. Christmas Eve or New Year's Day would be nice dates for the Carabao Cup match... it's better than having them play back-to-back in December! 
Like, come on guys! You're gonna drop this bombshell in December, of all months? It's like you just wanted to see players lose sleep over their fixtures. 54 hours is not a lot of time, especially for a team that's already playing non-stop. I get it, the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal is important, but at what cost to player welfare? 
At least Oliver Glasner spoke up about this... Arteta's just going along with it, which doesn't sit well with me either. How hard can it be to reschedule a match for Christmas Eve or something? The PFA should really take a closer look at the scheduling calendar because, yeah, it does seem like it's all about squeezing in as many games as possible without considering the human aspect of the sport.
. FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League, and EFL should've had this conversation sooner 
. Why make a big deal now? Maybe they can reschedule those games for Christmas or New Year's? That would be a lot more reasonable 
it'll add to the atmosphere, not detract from it. and oliver glasner's complaining is a bit rich coming from a manager who just got promoted and now wants to make a big show about player welfare 
we need more games, not less, and if we can't handle the schedule, then maybe we shouldn't be playing in the carabao cup. and arteta's all worried about his team having other competitions on? that's what makes it football, mate! let's just play as many games as we can and see who comes out on top 
It's not like they're asking for a break or anything, it's just a bunch of back-to-back matches that are going to wear out the players. And what's up with FIFA and UEFA not discussing this beforehand? It's like they were waiting for someone to point it out 
. I think Christmas Eve would be a perfect rescheduled date for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal - it's not like it's a holiday or anything 
Like, players need rest, not just a quick coffee break before running around on the pitch again. And who's really looking out for their welfare? Just saying 
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It's like they're just winging it and hoping for a miracle 
. We need some serious planning and coordination here 
! Maybe Christmas Eve or New Year's Day would be a better time for the Carabao Cup quarter-final? That way everyone can breathe a bit easier 
. It's all about player welfare and supporter interests, let's get it sorted! 
and yeah PFA got it right, too many comps in a short period 
. The players' welfare has got to come first, you know? 
They're already putting in so much effort on the pitch, it's not fair to ask them to play back-to-back matches without any proper break 
. It's like FIFA and the Premier League didn't think about how this would affect everyone 
... maybe they should've had a chat with each other before making these plans 
they're human beings, not machines, right? we gotta put their well-being above all else... it's crazy that nobody's thinking about this before the season starts 
and now we're paying the price with injuries and burnout... it's a mess 
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. Can't they just work out a schedule that doesn't put everyone at risk? 
. FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League, and the EFL need to get their act together and prioritize player welfare and fan experience 
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Anyway, I hope they can figure out a solution that works for everyone 
️. This is just too much stress 
Can't they just figure out a way to space things out a bit? Maybe they could reschedule some of these matches or look into better player rotation policies. It's not just about player welfare, but also about the fans who have to shell out money for tickets and travel... it's all getting a bit too much 
?