It's difficult to be sharp if you play over 70 games a year: Erling Haaland

Once again, the issue was addressed by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

FIFA have often been criticised for hosting many tournaments in a season. Football players around the globe have always been vocal about the number of games they play in a season as this takes a physical toll on their bodies.

The centre-forward spoke about how playing so many matches in a season can also affect your form in the next campaign. He further said that a player won’t always be sharp if they play 70 games a year. 

This is a prevalent issue that has been going on over the years, and no steps have been taken to address it by FIFA. From players to teams to organisations, they have spoken about it. 

Meanwhile, Haaland has returned to pre-season after enjoying holidays. While those who participated in Euro 2024 certainly won’t hit the ground running immediately.

Haaland, in New York on Manchester City’s pre-season tour, said: “We all saw in the Euros as well as in general how tired people were. You could see the level; you could see even in people’s faces how tired they were of football, if you can say it that way.

“That’s how it will be as well this season, not at the start, though maybe for some because some will not get a lot of vacation. But that’s the way we’re going now; I don’t think we can be sharp in every single game. We can try, but it’s difficult to be sharp if you play over 70 games a year.”

Haaland has returned to the team afresh as he was not involved in any international competition. He will be looking to lead City to their fifth successive Premier League title next season. He is also the top scorer for the consecutive time in the league and will aim to continue the streak in the upcoming campaign. 

However, comments such as that of Haaland are not new. Still, FIFA have not made a decision on the matter. Players will undoubtedly be impacted if they continue to endure hardship and play more than 70 games per year.

The football governing body should perhaps come up with fresh ideas in the future to resolve this overplaying of games issue.

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