Manchester United star Raphael Varane has expressed his fears about ‘dangerous’ player burn-out amid a packed fixture schedule and longer matches. The French defender, 30, claimed the Football Association ignored the concerns of players over fatigue at a meeting last week ahead of the new season.
He wrote: ‘We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees news decisions and rules. ‘From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players’ physical and mental well-being.
It comes as officials implement new rules to stamp down on time-wasting in games, meaning every delay will be added on to the stoppage time signalled at the end of each half. United will compete on four fronts again this season with the prospect of most fixtures being several minutes longer than before and Varane has outlined his worries.
‘Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. ‘As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game.
‘We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week. ‘I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.’
Arteta was shown a yellow card after he brandished an imaginary one of his own towards referee Stuart Attwell after Kai Havertz was fouled by Rodri. City manager Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, fumed at the amount of added time after Arsenal equalised in the 101st minute before prevailing on penalties.
Varane’s ‘less emotion’ remark reflects the clamp down on time-wasting and dissent by officials in the season ahead. Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Gunners manager Mikel Arteta were all booked during Sunday’s FA Community Shield at Wembley.
Guardiola said: ‘We will have to get used to this. We were winning 1-0. I had a feeling that not much happened to extend eight minutes. ‘But it is a good question for the international board and all the people because they don’t consult with the managers, they don’t consult with the players.
‘We have to accept it. We have to do it. Now the games will be 100 minutes, that’s for sure. They extend for goals. ‘Every time you score a goal. (Imagine) a 4-3 and they put on 45 seconds for seven goals. Tomorrow morning at 8am we will still be here playing. Don’t ask me my opinion, please.’
Supporters became accustomed to seeing large amounts of added time at the World Cup in Qatar last year as part of an initiative to increase the amount of time the ball is in play during matches.
It came as the first weekend of the new EFL season saw an average of 16 minutes, 34 seconds of added time across both halves. 13 minutes were added on at the end of Sunday’s Championship match between Sunderland Ipswich Town.
United kick-off their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves next Monday. They will also play in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League in another busy season which ends with the European Championship in Germany.
