Guardiola Laments Gruelling Bayern Schedule: “We’re Killing Players”
Pep Guardiola has voiced his frustration with Bayern Munich’s demanding match calendar, criticising the lack of rest given to players in modern football.
The Bayern boss expressed concern over the physical toll on his squad, who are set to play their third Bundesliga match in just seven days when they face newly promoted Paderborn on Tuesday. The match comes on the heels of a midweek Champions League victory over Manchester City and a goalless draw against Hamburg on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Guardiola pointed to the relentless fixture list as a key factor behind Bayern’s inconsistent start to the 2014–15 campaign.
“We’re killing players. We’re asking too much of them,” said the Spanish coach. “Players need time to rest. This doesn’t just affect Bayern, but also teams like Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. It’s impossible to play every three days with the same players.”
Guardiola’s remarks highlight growing concerns across Europe over fixture congestion and its impact on player welfare, with top clubs often balancing league duties, domestic cups, and continental competitions over a tight calendar.
