Carlo Ancelotti has voiced strong concerns about the growing physical demands placed on players, warning that modern football’s increasingly packed schedule is pushing athletes to dangerous limits.
The veteran manager spoke candidly about his frustrations with the direction the sport is taking, particularly highlighting the extended added time and relentless match calendar that continues to increase the physical burden on players.
“I don’t like the way football is going. I say it honestly,” Ancelotti said.
“Every game now… six, seven, eight minutes added time. The intensity is already very high, and we are adding more and more.”
Ancelotti pointed to the congested global football calendar as a major issue, noting that international tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship, FIFA World Cup, Copa América, and Africa Cup of Nations continue to add to an already overloaded schedule filled with demanding club competitions.
“The calendar is crazy,” he continued.
“Euro, World Cup, Copa América, AFCON… plus the club competitions. Players are playing 70, 80 games. This is too much.”
The Italian coach also linked the demanding schedule to the growing number of serious injuries seen across modern football, suggesting that the frequency of muscle and ligament injuries is not simply bad luck but a direct consequence of overuse.
“And then we ask why there are so many injuries — ACL, hamstrings, Achilles… it is not a coincidence.”
Ancelotti expressed frustration with decision-makers in football governance, arguing that financial interests often take priority over player welfare. He believes that the voices of those directly involved in the game — particularly players — are not being given enough attention.
“The problem is that nobody listens,” he added.
“The people who decide, they look at the business, the money… not the players.”
The former Champions League-winning manager stressed that football ultimately belongs to the players, who are the foundation of the sport’s entertainment value and global appeal.
“But football belongs to the players. Without them, there is no show.”
Ancelotti concluded by calling for meaningful reforms to protect players, including more rest periods and better scheduling balance, warning that failure to act could damage both player health and the overall quality of the game.
“We need to protect them. Give them rest, give them balance.”
“Because if we continue like this… the level will drop, and the players will suffer even more.”
“This is not evolution. For me… it is going in the wrong direction.”
