Erling Haaland sends clear Premier League warning as Man City star echoes Rodri threat

Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has voiced his concerns over the intense football schedule, hinting at his support for lingering player strike threats amid growing unrest among top-level players.

Last month, Haaland's colleague Rodri revealed that top players had discussed the possibility of striking if demands for a reduced workload were not met. Notably, Rodri has since sustained a knee injury ruling him out for the season.

Entering the ever-intensifying dialogue, Haaland has cautioned the sport's authorities about the unforgiving nature of the current footballing calendar. Despite starting the season invigorated after missing out on Euro 2024, Haaland underlines the necessity of sufficient breaks between tournaments.

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In the thick of participating in the Champions League and with the new FIFA Club World Cup also on the horizon, Haaland has issued a warning to governing bodies like FIFA, UEFA and the Premier League about the critical need for player rest and recuperation.

As he gets ready for Norway duty against Slovenia, Haaland said: "It was very positive [resting in the summer] and you can see that on the pitch. I have much more energy, both on and off the pitch.

"My head is more rested. It's more important than people think to have a break from your job, no matter what you do, especially if there's a big physical strain.

"It will be exciting to see how long a break I will get next summer!"

As reported by The Express, he went on: "It's starting to become an awful lot of matches, I think it has been for some years." Reflecting on the recent attempt to introduce a winter break in the Premier League, he added: "The Premier League started with a winter break four years ago, but we won't see anymore of that.

"There has been too many matches for several years, not just after the Champions League format [changed]. It's nothing new, but it's becoming a lot."

Man City Champions League special

Manchester City want their European crown back. And this Manchester Evening News guide to the competition is the perfect companion to guide City fans through the new-look tournament.

In what could be the last try for Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne and a number of the squad that have won the last four Premier League titles, City are determined to go all the way once more in Europe.

2023 finalists Inter Milan, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are among the eight teams City must face in a new first phase that features 36 teams in one giant mini-league. City will hope and expect to make their way through the league phase and hopefully go all the way.

The Manchester Evening News will be there every step of the way to cover Guardiola's bid for glory as City look to put last season's disappointment behind them and show that they are the best team on the continent.

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