The increasing game schedule in men's top-tier football has been a hot potato for several years. Both players and coaches have warned that the risk of injury increases and that the matches lose both intensity and entertainment value. Now, Spanish giant Real Madrid has had enough.
We asked the league to change the kick-off time twice and they did nothing, this was the last time, says Ancelotti after Saturday's 2-1 win over Villareal.
The match, which started at 18.30 Swedish time, came for Real Madrid about 66 hours after the penalty shootout in Wednesday's Champions League against local rival Atlético.
The International Football Federation Fifa has a recommended rest period of at least 72 hours between matches.
Even Real's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois criticizes the league:
I know they don't like letting the three biggest teams play on the same day. But sometimes you need to do it. It's a lack of respect towards us and our players, someone could have gotten injured.
Real Madrid leads a stuttering La Liga table three points ahead of Barcelona, who face third-placed Atlético tonight at 21 Swedish time.
