“The schedules are getting too busy” - Liverpool superstar believes modern football is coming at the cost of players’ health

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has called for a decrease in the number of matches for footballers in England. He believes that The FA are not bothered about the players' health and has urged others to join him in the fight.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Netherlands' clash with France, Van Dijk stated that they were playing too many matches and needed rest. He added the money they make should not be a factor in determining how many matches they should play. He said:

"In England we think the schedules are too busy. Players are well paid but this should never be to the detriment of our health. We have to play more and more matches. As players we should start saying something, contribute to a solution."

When quizzed if he would give up 10% of his wages for reduced matches, the Liverpool defender replied:

"No, I don't think that should depend on my salary. The Nations League that comes with it, for example, does not go to my salary. We get bonuses, but that is not a guarantee."

The Netherlands take on France in a UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier on Friday, October 13.

Pep Guardiola also echoed the thoughts of Liverpool defender Van Dijk

Pep Guardiola also spoke about fixture congestion earlier this season and claimed that the players were not getting enough rest. He believes that most of the injuries are because the players are not getting enough recovery time between matches. He said:

"That is a problem when you have a lot of injuries, not today, but the effect is in three, four or five games. In the Carabao Cup, we have to go away to Newcastle. I am sorry but there are games where we are going play with the second team, some players, because we cannot with the dangers. We cannot waste energy...

"These guys were playing 90 minutes for the national teams and travel like from Bolivia and Ederson from Brazil. It's so exhausting for them. We treat the players in not a good way. We are so irresponsible in how we treat the players."

Manchester City are currently third in the Premier League table, just ahead of Liverpool.