Mikel Arteta has launched a blistering attack on what he calls the "unsustainable" and "crazy" fixture schedule facing his Arsenal squad, warning that English football is "heading for disaster" unless immediate changes are made.
The Relentless Grind
The Spanish manager didn't hold back in his assessment of the punishing calendar confronting his players. "We're going to be playing every three days for 11 months," Arteta revealed, his frustration palpable. "If you ask anybody in world football, they'll tell you this is absolutely crazy."
Premier League vs The World
Arteta highlighted the stark contrast between England's top flight and other major European leagues. "Look at the schedules in Spain, Germany, Italy - they have proper breaks. Here? We're pushing players beyond reasonable limits and the consequences could be devastating."
The Arsenal boss pointed to the physical toll on his squad, emphasising that "when you have no time to recover, no time to train properly, you're just asking for trouble. Injuries, burnout, declining performance - it's a perfect storm."
Champions League Complications
With Arsenal returning to Europe's elite competition, the scheduling pressure intensifies significantly. Arteta noted that "adding Champions League football to an already packed calendar creates impossible demands. Something has to give, and right now it's player welfare that's suffering."
A Plea for Common Sense
The former midfielder made an impassioned case for reform, stating: "We need to sit down with all stakeholders - the Premier League, UEFA, broadcasters - and find a solution. This isn't just about Arsenal; it's about protecting the quality of the entire competition and, more importantly, the health of the players."
Arteta's warning comes as Arsenal prepare for a critical period that could define their season, with the manager clearly concerned that the schedule itself might prove to be their toughest opponent.
