Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has stated that the football federations should consider using a more relaxed football calendar since players are unable to cope with the demands of a punishing schedule. He has said that there have been several instances of players getting injured in recent weeks. Some of the high-profile names like Radamel Falcao and Victor Valdes could miss the World Cup 2014 due to injuries. Alonso says that it is primarily down to the packed fixture schedule, which has seen the players constantly being involved in two matches every week since September.
England has always said that there should be a winter break in order to help players recuperate. It is seen as one of the main reasons for the English national team being unable to compete with the likes of Spain and Germany at major tournaments. Now, the fact that a Spanish player plays himself complaining about the fixture schedule is likely to make FIFA get noticed about the number of matches being played every season. Alonso has been an ever present for Real Madrid this season, but he would ideally want some break at 32 years of age.
The midfielder recently extended his contract to end any rumours about him leaving Madrid in the summer.
“[Ronaldo] has a minor problem, like many other players. But it is true that the schedule is very tight. Since September we’ve been playing Wednesday-Sunday and finally the World Cup is approaching. Diego Costa has been injured, Marcelo has been injured, and there will be more injuries. We have to get a more sensible calendar. We started playing in the [Copa del Rey] in January and we don’t have the rhythm other countries have,” said Alonso.
Despite not scoring a league goal this season, Alonso has featured in 22 league matches so far.