“If I Said ‘I’m Tired..’” – Kylian Mbappe Questions FIFA Calendar as Ada Hegerberg Demands ‘Rest & Recovery Time’ For Female Players

In the relentless world of soccer, maintaining peak performance becomes a daunting challenge for players. The recent surge in games has ignited an important conversation within the community about the toll it takes on players’ physical and mental well-being. PSG’s star forward Kylian Mbappe has also questioned the sustainability of the jam-packed fixture calendar recently. Women’s soccer star Ada Hegerberg also joined in, highlighting the need for ‘rest and recovery.’

As these persistent concerns reverberate across the community, the spotlight now falls upon the governing bodies to come up with a solution. Let’s delve deeper and uncover Mbappe and Hegerberg’s comments on the rising issue.

PSG’s Kylian Mbappe calls for a change and solution

Kylian Mbappe, soccer’s hottest property and PSG’s electrifying forward, recently engaged in an exclusive conversation with GQ. The Frenchman shed light on his take on the relentless FIFA calendar, which is proving to be difficult to cope with for the clubs and players. Drawing a parallel with the NBA’s approach to load management, Kylian Mbappe questioned why soccer stars aren’t allowed the same luxury. “In the NBA, players don’t play every game, and franchises practice load management. But if I said ‘I’m tired, I’m not playing on Saturday,’ it wouldn’t go down well,” Mbappe stated.

Kylian Mbappe expressed his concerns about the growing divide between players, fans, and the governing bodies. The 25-year-old star detailed the dilemma faced by the players – the pressure to deliver masterclass performances for the fans, battling with the toll of a jam-packed schedule. “The fan who pays for his ticket, and who may only see you once during the season, wants to see a performance worthy of the name, and that’s understandable. I don’t want to preach, but we need to think together about how to offer the best possible solution so that players, spectators, and governing bodies can all embrace it,” Mbappe added.

In a sport where injuries during international breaks have become an unexpected norm, Mbappe pressed on the need to address the ever-growing challenge. It’ll be interesting to see if FIFA and UEFA come up with an alternative to secure player’s fitness.

READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe Framed Lionel Messi’s Argentina Jersey at Home Despite Bitter Loss at the World Cup

Ada Hegerberg’s plea for female soccer players

As Kylian Mbappe raised his voice against the relentless schedule, Olympique Lyon women’s star forward Ada Hegerberg showcased a similar struggle for women. As reported by the Guardian, the Norwegian star highlighted the risk to mental and physical health when players aren’t allowed adequate recovery time. Hegerberg emphasized the urgency to address the issue, as prolonged neglect could lead to long-lasting injuries.

A report released by players’ union FIFPRO last year also cited similar concerns. It has now become evident that the lack of recovery time between games is taking a toll on the overall well-being of professional players. Kylian Mbappe’s plea adds weight to Hegerberg’s comments, advocating for a change.

Do you think the governing bodies will prioritize the issue surrounding the soccer fraternity lately? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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