Speaking to the Portuguese media, Manchester United fullback Diogo Dalot talked about how tough the schedule has been for football players in recent years.
The 24-year-old was part of a press conference at the national team camp, and when asked about the many games for club and country, he was happy to give his view on how packed the football calendar has become.
In quotes relayed by Noticias ao Minuto, the Manchester United player explained that it’s tiring for body and mind.
“It’s a topic that’s been discussed a lot over the last year. The fact is that the number of matches has increased and the schedule has become tighter. Last year, we’ve experienced something we’ve hardly ever experienced, because we had a World Cup in the middle of the season and we had a very dense schedule,” said Dalot.
“On a personal level I feel it was a gruelling season, exhausting physically and mentally. These are always things that are beyond our control. As the ‘artists’, we should have a say and I believe that if we get together, and with the right people, we can find a way to reconcile the two.
“For the good of football, that’s what should happen. We have to be in the best physical condition to put on a show for the fans. Now, for my part, I try to prepare myself in the best way. All the players have the same approach, I believe. We have to adapt.”
Dalot may not have always been a first choice at Manchester United since his arrival from Porto in 2018, as he’s always been in a constant battle with Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the right-back spot.
However, with the Englishman picking up an injury and Erik ten Hag also losing all the left-backs in the squad, the Portugal international ended up becoming a vital player, with ten appearances this season already.
Dalot’s versatility also gave him a place in Portugal’s team, and he’s been a starter in seven from their last nine matches, being used on both wings. Current injuries may force him to play on the left in this international break again.
