Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has backed Rodri's warning that players could be close to going on strike over the number of games they are being asked to play.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, the Manchester City midfielder said a player strike was “close” due to football's hectic schedule, saying: “I think that's the general opinion of the players… If it continues like this, there will come a time when we will have no other option.”
Both Madrid and City are competing in the revamped UEFA Champions League this season, and are also set to take part in the new FIFA Club World Cup in the United States next summer, where both teams could play a total of more than 70 games this campaign.
“Rodri is right,” Courtois said on Wednesday in a conversation with popular Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos. “There are too many games. A fan wants to see the best and you have to find a balance. There are too many games and there are more injuries.”
“With the Nations League and the Club World Cup, there are more matches. People say that we earn a lot of money, that we can't complain, and that's true, but we have to find a balance, because the best thing is to win.” [players] “We're not always going to be able to play.”
Real Madrid won their opening Champions League game on Tuesday by beating Stuttgart 3-1, but the Spanish champions have not been at their best in La Liga and are already four points behind leaders Barcelona.
There has been speculation about the future of striker Rodrygo since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, although the Brazil international did provide the assist for Mbappe's first Champions League goal for the club against Stuttgart.
The Madrid media have started calling Madrid's attack “BMV” (short for Bellingham, Mbappé and Vinícius), omitting Rodrygo.
“Journalists want to put three letters and they put Jude, Vini and Mbappé,” said Courtois. “In the dressing room we know the importance and quality of Rodrygo. He doesn't have to be angry, but if he plays better, he should be angry.”
