Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente Joins Call for Player Welfare Amid Growing Injuries

Atletico Madrid standout Marcos Llorente has added his voice to the chorus of discontent echoing through the football world, joining the likes of Jules Kounde and Aurelien Tchouameni in demanding a reduction in the relentless fixture schedule that is taking a toll on players’ well-being.

Escalating Injuries Raise Alarm

The recent international break witnessed a slew of injuries, with notable names such as Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Junior, and Gavi facing setbacks. Llorente, speaking to Diario AS, acknowledged the logical outcome of this incessant schedule, emphasizing the broader impact on football as a whole.

“Well, I think so. In the end, you are seeing all the injuries that are occurring this year. When a star gets injured, it affects football, La Liga, and any competition, because many people watch football for a footballer and will stop doing so. I’m not the one to say it, but it would be nice to take another look at all of this and look for the benefit for everyone, both players and competitions. Because I imagine that the competitions will want the ‘top’ footballers to be available.”

Llorente’s comments align with the broader sentiment among players, with the demands on their physicality becoming a central concern. Aurelien Tchouameni, who suffered a fractured metatarsal, had previously voiced his grievances, stating:

“Obviously, we’re playing too many matches. It’s leading to injuries. At some point, the players should do or say something. We get the impression that it’s not going to get any better with new competitions. Something has to be done. When it’s too much, it becomes a problem.”

Concerns Echoed by Jules Kounde

Jules Kounde, grappling with a month-long absence due to a muscle problem, echoed the sentiments of his compatriot Tchouameni on CliqueTV:

“Tchouameni said it as well – there are too many games. The rhythm has become more and more intense now, and what bothers me is that when we point this out, people say that we used to play so much. That does not mean that was a good thing. We are moving into a situation where there are more and more injuries.”

The escalating toll on players prompts a reconsideration of the fixture density, with key players urging governing bodies and clubs to prioritize player welfare over financial gains. The dilemma persists: unless FIFA, UEFA, or the clubs are willing to compromise on revenue, players face the relentless demands of an unforgiving schedule. The prospect of unionization and strikes, while a potential avenue, remains challenging in an industry where financial stability for the few often takes precedence.