‘It’s not easy’ – Maresca agrees with Haaland that players started season tired

As the 2023-2024 soccer season gets into full swing, discussions around player fatigue have taken center stage. Manchester City assistant coach Enzo Maresca has joined star striker Erling Haaland in voicing concerns about the physical toll on players. Both have commented on the increasing demands placed on athletes, particularly with the congested fixture schedules following international tournaments.

Player Fatigue: A Growing Concern

During a recent press conference, Maresca expressed empathy for players who, despite being professionals, have been grappling with exhaustion even before the season's opening matches. “It’s not easy,” Maresca stated, echoing Haaland’s earlier sentiments. “These players are coming off back-to-back seasons with little rest in between, largely due to international commitments and a packed league schedule.”

Haaland, who has been instrumental in Manchester City’s attack, highlighted the need for better scheduling to protect players’ health. “We’re starting the season tired, and it’s not just physically but mentally as well. There needs to be a balance to ensure we can perform at our best,” Haaland commented after City’s recent match against Arsenal.

Recent Results Highlight the Issue

Manchester City’s recent draw against Arsenal, coupled with a narrow victory over Brighton, has brought these concerns into sharper focus. Despite their dominant performances, the team has shown signs of fatigue, particularly in the latter stages of matches.

Calls for Change

The calls from Maresca and Haaland have not gone unnoticed, with several other Premier League managers also raising the issue. As the league progresses, the conversation around player welfare is expected to intensify, with stakeholders seeking solutions to alleviate the burden on top-tier athletes.

With the Champions League group stages underway and the Premier League matches coming thick and fast, the challenge for clubs like Manchester City will be to manage their squads effectively while maintaining peak performance levels.

As discussions continue, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how clubs respond and adapt to these growing concerns about player health and performance throughout the demanding season ahead.