“It’s absolutely absurd,” Manchester City star Bernardo Silva goes on angry rant about hectic schedule following revised Champions League format

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva raged at the new football schedule, leaving players with very little time to rest and recoup.

“It’s absolutely absurd,” Manchester City star Bernardo Silva goes on angry rant about hectic schedule following revised Champions League format

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva slammed the hectic football schedule this season. (via Reuters)

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva slammed the new football schedule, following a major revision in the UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup formats. Most of the teams have been left with very little time to prepare and rest.

Bernardo Silva is currently a part of the Portuguese national team, playing in the UEFA Nations League. At the end of the international break, the 30-year-old is expected to return to Manchester City, to take on Brentford. Adding to this hectic schedule, Cityzens will also face Inter Milan, next week, in the revamped UCL league stage. The new format has increased the burden, with teams having to play eight league stage matches instead of six, followed by play-off matches, if necessary. 

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The midfielder highlighted the negative impact of the hectic schedule on the players, while also stating that some of them have been struggling. Describing it as ‘absurd’, Silva stated that City would have to play every three days for the next few months, reducing the time they get to rest and spend with their families. He also added that despite the bigger squads, it would be increasingly difficult, with the club having to play an estimated 68 matches, this season.

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The schedule is completely crazy. We’ll probably play every three days for months.... It's been absolutely absurd. It hasn't been easy. I spend very little time with my family and friends.
Bernardo Silva told Record

Apart from the midfielder, fellow Man City star Kevin De Bruyne had also opened up about the schedule, pinning the blame on UEFA and FIFA. The increased number of matches might also extend the new season until July 2025, which could lead to player fatigues.

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Bernardo Silva praises teammate Rodri, descibes him as a complete player 

Bernardo Silva and Rodri have often partnered in Manchester City’s midfield, for the past few seasons. In a recent interview, the 30-year-old Portuguese star was full of praise for Rodri, who he feels could do ‘everything’ on the pitch. 

Rodri Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva called Rodri a complete player (Via Manchester City News)

The ex-Monaco star described the Spanish midfielder as a ‘complete’ player, while also adding that he possesses strength and power to retrieve the ball, whenever necessary. Moreover, Silva also praised Rodri’s ball controlling technique. He has also helped Man City at important junctures, having scored the goal in the club’s 2022-23 UCL triumph, against Inter Milan in the final.

He’s a very complete player…The way he controls the tempo and the way he has added goals to his game in important matches, it’s a little bit of everything.
Bernardo Silva on Man City teammate Rodri (via Mike Minay)

The 28-year-old midfielder is also one of the front-runners to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. Rodri, most recently, helped Spain win their third Euro title, defeating France in the final. 

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