The more the soccer games are, the more there will be entertainment—sounds about right, doesn’t it? Well, as a fan, it might, but for the players and coaches, this equation isn’t equating in their books. Recently, Emma Hayes touched down on how the domestic part of the game “ignoring the human side” of the game is an “understatement.” Now, joining the former Chelsea manager’s bloc is none other than Allison Becker. The Liverpool goalie has also urged the need for a ‘solution‘ over increasing the number of games amidst the advent of the new Champions League format.

For context, this season’s European tournament has brought about major changes, expanding to 36 teams, which increases the number of matchdays from 96 to 144. As Alisson Becker describes, the new format is ‘amazing‘ for supporters, offering more games and bigger matchups between top teams. Though for the players as well, facing Europe’s best is always positive, the goalie was clear of the irony, noting that adding more games to an already busy calendar may not be ideal.

“Sometimes nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games so maybe our opinion does not matter,” said Becker, ahead of the Red’s opening UCL clash against AC Milan. “But everybody knows what we think about having more games. Everybody is tired of that,” he added, insisting there’s no choice for players but to take up the challenge.

When asked about the ideal number of matches players should play, Becker deferred the question to the concerned authorities responsible for designing the fixture calendar. He emphasized that, while players understand the perspectives of UEFA, FIFA, the Premier League, and the media over the need for more games, it’s equally important for those authorities to listen to the players’ POV as well. “We are not stupid…we just need to be listened to…to sit together and understand what is the thinking of the direction that football wants to go—not only adding games, adding competitions, adding this and that,” added the former AS Roma man, acknowledging that the players would surely like to give the best in all games until a solution is given.

However, the 31-year-old again expressed the unlikeliness of this event. “It does not look like we are close to a good solution for football’s sake and players’ sake,” concluded Allison. Certainly, it looks like the players aren’t taking this new Champions League fixture in high regard. That explains why someone like Emma Hayes was also reluctant about the radical changes in the club side of the beautiful game.

Amidst Allison Becker’s concerns, Emma Hayes explains how club soccer impacts players

In a recent episode of The Sports Agents podcast, Emma Hayes discussed how club soccer often overlooks the human side of players. The ex-Blues boss explained that neglecting the emotional and mental well-being of athletes leads to a lack of understanding of their mental health, resilience, and personal challenges, all of which directly impact performance.

Drawing from her own experience, Hayes emphasized that she invests time in understanding players beyond their on-field performance, exploring who they are during tough times, and what helps them overcome struggles. “It’s fascinating to see how many top performers are [negative]. The self-talk is so negative and interferences are column, getting in the way of performance,” she said.

This is something that gets unaddressed by teams who are rather focused on improving the on-pitch part of the game. “That insecurity exists for me in the game. It comes from a place of not really understanding to get the best out of human beings.”  Though club soccer is favored by fans, Hayes—like many others including Allison Becker—doesn’t fully endorse this principle. Either way, what are your thoughts on this matter? Share in the comments.