Ange Postecoglou Says Fixture Congestion Is Reaching A ‘Dangerous Level’ As Elite Football Schedule Comes Under Increased Scrutiny

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says the ever-expanding schedule of elite football is approaching a ‘dangerous level’ and needs to change.

On Thursday, Spurs host Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Europa League – the first of eight matches in the new-look league phase of the competition.

In order to reach the final in Bilbao, teams may have to play as many as 16 times. Last year, teams entering directly into the group phase would play 12 times on their way to the final.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Postecoglou said: “I’ve spoken before that I think we’re getting to a dangerous level of what our expectations are around players.

“They don’t get a break between seasons any more.

“It’s going to get to a point where we’re not going to have the best players out here playing and even worse probably breaking down for various reasons.”

In their European campaign, Tottenham also host AZ Alkmaar, Roma and Elfsborg. They also play away against Hungarian side Ferencvaros as well as Galatasaray, Hoffenheim, and Rangers.

Spurs have previously played Qarabag on two occasions. They met in the Europa League Group stage in 2015/16, with Tottenham the victors in both matches.

Ange Postecoglou Schedule Concerns Echo Other Complaints

Postecoglou’s comments come after Manchester City midfielder Rodri last week warned of potential player strikes.

Having now suffered what looks to be a season-ending knee injury in Sunday’s draw with Arsenal during a very congested period of the calendar, it appears the Spaniard’s concerns were sadly justified.

And earlier this month, Rodri’s City teammate Bernardo Silva gave his own damning assessment.

Speaking over the international break about his side’s hectic schedule this week, Silva said: “The schedule is completely crazy.

“We play Arsenal, we rest for a day and then we have the game against Watford. And if we don’t get knocked out of any other competition, we’ll play every three days for months. It’s been absolutely absurd.

“In the Champions League, if you don’t qualify for the round of 16 you still have to play two more games. It’s true that the squads are bigger, but I’m not going to say that it’s easy.

“It hasn’t been easy. I spend very little time with my family and friends. The amount of games we’re subjected to is absolutely absurd.”

Manchester City beat Watford 2-1 on Tuesday night following Sunday’s draw with Arsenal. City next play Newcastle away from home on Saturday.

Tottenham meanwhile overcame Brentford at the weekend, and travel to the other side of Manchester to face United on Sunday.