PFA back Marcus Rashford’s claim that players are involved in too many games

The Professional Footballers’ Association have supported Marcus Rashford’s suggestion that players are involved in too many games.

Manchester United star Rashford recently stated that players who play many games need to be given extra time to recover. 

PFA chief executive Maheta Molango says that the football calendar needs to be reviewed.  

As reported by The Sun, PFA chief executive Maheta Molango said: ‘A properly co-ordinated approach to the football calendar is needed to address the growing pressure being placed on players. They themselves are saying their wellbeing has to be prioritised.’ 

Rashford, who played 56 games for United last season, described the situation as ‘mad’.

The PFA has backed Marcus Rashford’s suggestion that players play too many matches

PFA chief executive Maheta Molango says there need to be changes to the football calendar

He said: ‘It is mad that, at club level, we are playing three games a week from November until we get knocked out of Europe.’It is difficult but I am not the one who has to have the answers.’In the early stages of my career I couldn’t make sense of it. Some managers have spoken out against it.

‘If one team plays 60 games a season and another 38, there has to be some time to recover for the team playing 20 more.’

The Sun state that this summer Premier League clubs will play at least 64 friendlies in 15 countries over 26 days.  

During that time they will travel a total of 170,758 miles.

Molango expressed concerns that players’ schedules will become even more hectic  with tournaments such as the expanded Club World Cup, which will include 32 teams, with the 2025 edition to take place in the United States. 

Molango continued: ‘Players’ schedules will become even further complicated by the expansion of both club and international calendars in the coming seasons.

‘Space will need to be found alongside the long-distance pre-season tours clubs already take part in.

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice  made 61 appearances for club and country last season

‘A player-first approach is needed, one that acknowledges the need for a balanced and sustainable calendar.

‘This is crucial for the overall health of the sport.’

Last season many players featured prominently for their clubs and were also involved in the World Cup in the middle of the campaign.

West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice, for instance, played 61 times for club and country.

City and England winger Jack Grealish, meanwhile, played 59 games.