Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has insisted he will join in with any protests from players over playing time should they happen.
RMC Sport cover comments from the Frenchman today ahead of the international break, when the subject of player protests was brought up.
That idea has been growing among professional footballers over the last few months as the world’s governing bodies continue to add to an already jam-packed football calendar.
The introduction of an expanded Club World Cup next summer has added another set of fixtures to a calendar that already has domestic leagues, domestic cup competitions, various European and international club competitions as well as international tournaments, friendlies and qualifiers.
Players at the top of the game are now regularly playing 70 games a season because of this, something many feel is untenable.
Some believe that big changes are needed and particularly as injuries, such as the one suffered by Manchester City’s Rodri, have only added to that argument.
A few players have threatened to go on strike to make their point, with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk having been particularly vocal on that point. Konaté agrees with that idea and would join in if asked.
“It’s a subject that should not be neglected,” he said.
“There is no discussion at Liverpool, there is no pressure from the club. We hear that some clubs prefer their players to stay but we also have to understand them, there are so many matches.
“The players are employees of the club even if the national selections are just as important. We have to stay fit all season and it’s hard but it’s beyond us.
“If it continues with this momentum, of course if the players decide to bang their fists on the table and we are all together.
“If tomorrow, there is a movement which can lead to an understanding, well sure I will be of the game. And I think all the players will follow.”
