Speaking to WAZ (via Fussball Transfers), RB Leipzig left-back David Raum has shown support for the increased about of games seen this season.
The introduction of the newly improved Club World Cup at the end of the season as well as the expanded Champions League means there will be even more club games to be played and even less time for players to have a break ahead of the following season which the actual World Cup will then follow.
On the increased amount of games, Raum said:
“I have to say that I much prefer playing to training. Even as a young player, I always had the feeling that I only got better through the games. That’s why I’m happy about the many English weeks. For me, that’s a privilege. There’s no upper limit for me.”
He added:
I don’t want to interfere because I don’t have a say. I like the new system of the Champions League with eight different opponents. They are great games. For me, no limit has been crossed yet.”
The number of games being played has become an even greater talking point in recent days after a study by FIFPRO showed that the number of games and travel is increasing. A comparison in playing time at the same age between Florian Wirtz and Michael Ballack shows that Wirtz played 11,501 minutes by the age of 21, compared to Ballack’s 4,175.
The players themselves are also becoming increasingly unhappy with the increase in games with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva both recently voicing their disapproval of the change.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
