Raphinha, the Brazilian forward for Barcelona, expressed his disappointment that players were not consulted regarding the extension of the season to accommodate the Club World Cup, emphasising that no one should be forced to forfeit their holiday time.
The inaugural expanded edition of the Club World Cup kicked off on June 14 and is scheduled to run until July 13. This tournament follows the conclusion of the European league season in late May and an international window at the start of June.
“As someone who plays in Europe, I can say we would typically be on holiday right now,” Raphinha remarked.
“Take Marquinhos and Beraldo from Paris Saint-Germain, for instance. They won the Champions League and didn’t get a proper chance to celebrate. They went straight to the national team before heading to the Club World Cup. They haven’t had a break yet.
“There are those who might consider this an excuse. Perhaps it is, or maybe it isn’t, but the pressure to relinquish our holiday is quite challenging. It’s our right to have time off. Everyone deserves at least a month of rest. Many players, however, won’t receive that.”
Most major European leagues are set to resume between mid and late August, with pre-season training commencing earlier in the month.
“If PSG reaches the final of the Club World Cup, they will move straight into the Super Cup. It’s a non-stop cycle,” Raphinha continued.
“It really depends on how you view things. From my perspective, it’s quite unfortunate to have to forgo your holiday for something that’s mandatory. At no point did anyone ask the players for their opinions on this.
“It should be our choice to accept it. The obligation to sacrifice our holidays for a new tournament is a tough ask.”
PSG is scheduled to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Super Cup on August 13th.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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