Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba has suggested that reducing the frequency of matches could help combat the growing number of injuries affecting football players.
Speaking ahead of Leverkusen’s crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, the Burkinabe international addressed the issue during a pre-match press conference alongside head coach Xabi Alonso.
Leverkusen heads into the decisive Group Stage fixture with a significantly depleted squad.
Key players such as Amine Adli, Jonas Hofmann, Victor Boniface, and Patrick Schick have been sidelined due to injuries, leaving the team struggling to maintain its competitive edge.
Tapsoba, known for his robust defensive presence, offered a straightforward solution to what he described as an escalating problem in professional football.
Playing every 3-4 days can cause more injuries, but we must prepare well to limit complications of this type,” he said. His comments underline growing concerns among players and coaches about the physical toll of increasingly congested football schedules.
The 24-year-old defender highlighted the detrimental impact of playing two matches per week, suggesting that such a grueling calendar leaves little room for adequate recovery and heightens the risk of physical strain.
Tapsoba’s remarks resonate with a wider debate in the football community regarding player welfare amidst intense domestic, European, and international commitments.
Leverkusen’s injury list is a testament to the strain modern football imposes on athletes.
With multiple key players unavailable, the Bundesliga side faces an uphill battle against Inter Milan.
Despite the challenges, Tapsoba emphasized the importance of preparation and resilience in mitigating injury risks.
His candid observations come as football’s governing bodies continue to expand competitions and schedules, leaving clubs with limited options to rotate squads effectively.
Critics argue that while the sport grows in popularity and financial revenue, player health and career longevity are being overlooked.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso echoed Tapsoba’s concerns, expressing the need for smarter training and recovery strategies to navigate a demanding season.
However, both player and coach acknowledged the difficulty of balancing competitive demands with injury prevention.
As Bayer Leverkusen prepares for their decisive Champions League fixture, Tapsoba’s remarks serve as a reminder of the broader conversation about how the sport can better protect its players while maintaining its global appeal.
The call for action, led by prominent voices like Tapsoba’s, adds urgency to a challenge football authorities can no longer ignore.
