Real Madrid’s Quest for Additional Rest
Real Madrid’s quest for additional rest following their participation in the Club World Cup has been met with disapproval from LaLiga president Javier Tebas. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois recently advocated for a delay in the team’s 2025-26 La Liga season opener to allow players adequate recovery time after their demanding tournament schedule. However, Tebas firmly stated that the match against Osasuna, scheduled for August 19, will proceed as planned.
Fixture Decision and Player Welfare
The Spanish Football Federation made the initial decision regarding the fixture, which LaLiga has endorsed. Despite Courtois’s arguments, Tebas emphasized the importance of adhering to the existing football calendar, pointing out that players are expected to enjoy a break of around 20 days, followed by three weeks of preseason training. He compared this situation to other leagues such as England’s Premier League and France’s Ligue 1, where no similar adjustments have been made for teams like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
Match Count Comparison
LaLiga’s rigorous season has seen Real Madrid partake in a staggering 68 matches since last August, encompassing various competitions including 38 in the domestic league, 14 in the Champions League, and several others. In contrast, PSG, who are also participating in the Club World Cup, will reach their 65th match by the time the final rolls around.
Courtois’s Frustration
Courtois expressed his frustration with the lack of consideration for players’ welfare, reflecting a sentiment that such statements from league officials are uncommon in other nations or sports leagues. He noted,
“It’s fine if Tebas doesn’t favor the Club World Cup, but it is part of the FIFA calendar. We’re competing on that stage, and it feels like he’s more intent on drawing attention to himself than addressing player health issues.”
Conclusion
This ongoing conflict highlights the challenges faced by players juggling international commitments and domestic league requirements, as the football landscape continues to evolve in response to global calendars and competitions.
