Early into the season, Manchester City were thrown a spanner in terms of their fixture schedule.
After their 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s men were scheduled to face Watford just two days later in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup — a fixture for which nine changes were made.
Manchester City rose to the challenge and managed to win 2-1 as they are set to go toe-to-toe against Tottenham Hotspur in the next round of the competition.
However, it was a surprise to see City dealt such a hand, especially considering how taxing their fixture schedule already is.
Son Heung-min agreed with Rodri’s comments about how players are having to play excessive games as well as the possibility of many going on strike.
Soon after, much like the Spaniard, the Spurs captain also suffered an injury.
Timber shares his honest verdict on recent Man City development
The 32-year-old was ruled out of Tottenham’s 3-0 victory against Manchester United on Sunday.
In August, Ruben Dias took to X to give an insight into City’s grueling fixture schedule.
The schedule goes to show just how many games the Sky Blues have to play in the 2024/2025 season.
Now, Jurrien Timber has already with Rodri’s comments.
As quoted by The Athletic, the Arsenal defender said: “I totally agree with them. It’s a big topic at the moment in dressing rooms, not only at City and Liverpool but also our dressing room. I didn’t play last season, so I’m just enjoying playing right now, you won’t hear me complaining but I totally understand what they’re saying.”
The Dutchman added by having his say on how Manchester City should not have been given a mere day to rest ahead of their contest against Watford.
“Definitely [players are at more risk of serious injury]. I honestly think it’s a dangerous thing. Last week, we played City and I think they played again two days later, that’s too much. I understand why players are complaining.”
Nice to see Jurrien Timber speak out against Man City schedule
While there seems to be a brewing rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal, players must come together to speak out against the excessive football that they are being asked to play.
Timber has done just that by raising awareness about City being asked to play two games in three days.
Rodri will perhaps also appreciate the former Ajax technician’s comments as he initially decided to take a stand by having his say.
Ultimately, if Arsenal are in a similar predicament, Timber will himself realise how difficult a task it is.
Manchester City will be hoping that they can deal with such challenges this season.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with the current fixture schedule, it is part and parcel of elite-level football.
