Rydström: "They want even more money"

Top players in Europe have threatened to strike due to a congested match schedule. Part of the responsibility lies with the big clubs themselves, believes Malmö FF coach Henrik Rydström. They want even more money, he says.

» Updated: October 08 2024

» Published: September 25 2024

Rydström: "They want even more money"
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

Share this article

With the new format, the number of matches per team in the Champions League and Europa League has been increased from six to eight matches in the league stage. Fifa has also added an expanded club World Championship (32 teams) to the calendar for June-July next year.

For a top player, it can mean around 70-80 matches during a season with club and national team.

"Close to a strike"

We are close to a strike. If it continues like this, we have no other choice, said Manchester City star Rodri last week before the Spaniard injured his ligament in a knee and will be out for a longer period.

Malmö FF will enter the Europa League play at home against Glasgow Rangers on Thursday, but team captain Anders Christiansen does not see the problem of too many matches in Sweden.

We play 30 matches in Allsvenskan and maybe 50 matches this season. It's no big deal for us, but I can understand those who play in the World Championship, European Championship, Champions League, and national team. They play all the time. It's clearly a big problem.

The working environment for top players is important, emphasizes MFF coach Henrik Rydström. But he believes that part of the responsibility also lies with the big clubs, which are eager to participate in many tournaments.

They want more money. It's also an economic issue, but many times it's the players and coaches who are exposed to the risk of being burned out or injured, says Rydström.

A bigger problem for MFF – and Europa League colleague Elfsborg – is that the league continues in January with two matches. Additionally, a match is scheduled in mid-December.

It's not the best structure for Swedish football, says Anders Christiansen.

Short vacation

An argument for Swedish elite football to switch to an autumn-spring season, however, does not believe the Dane.

It's not just about Allsvenskan but also Superettan and Division 1. It's hard to get better weather, especially north of Stockholm. It's not fun to play football matches in minus 20 degrees, like we did in Östersund once in February in the cup, says the midfielder.

Rydström is positive about more matches for his MFF, but with matches in January, the space for rest for players and coaches shrinks.

We must solve how we can also have a vacation so that we get the recovery we need.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Frölunda Defeats Luleå Again in Hockey Season Opener
1 MIN READ

Frölunda Defeats Luleå Again in Hockey Season Opener

Sweden's Strong Start in World Championship Qualifiers Against Slovenia
1 MIN READ

Sweden's Strong Start in World Championship Qualifiers Against Slovenia

17-Year-Old Lea Nilsson Reaches US Open Junior Final
1 MIN READ

17-Year-Old Lea Nilsson Reaches US Open Junior Final

Football Manager Highlights Financial Boost from World Championship Qualification
1 MIN READ

Football Manager Highlights Financial Boost from World Championship Qualification

Sweden U21 Triumphs 3-0 Over Armenia in Euro 2027 Qualifier
1 MIN READ

Sweden U21 Triumphs 3-0 Over Armenia in Euro 2027 Qualifier

Lagergren Leads European Tour After Impressive 62-Stroke Round
1 MIN READ

Lagergren Leads European Tour After Impressive 62-Stroke Round

Kulusevski Aims for Return in 2-3 Months After Knee Surgery
1 MIN READ

Kulusevski Aims for Return in 2-3 Months After Knee Surgery

Alexander Isak Benched for World Championship Qualifier Against Slovenia
2 MIN READ

Alexander Isak Benched for World Championship Qualifier Against Slovenia

Lotta Schelin Joins Fifa Group to Combat Racism in Football
1 MIN READ

Lotta Schelin Joins Fifa Group to Combat Racism in Football

World Championship Dream Drives Footballers Elanga and Ayari
2 MIN READ

World Championship Dream Drives Footballers Elanga and Ayari

Spanish Minister Supports Potential Ban of Israel Premier Tech from Tour of Spain
2 MIN READ

Spanish Minister Supports Potential Ban of Israel Premier Tech from Tour of Spain

Elanga Comments on Isak's Liverpool Move: "It's His Choice"
2 MIN READ

Elanga Comments on Isak's Liverpool Move: "It's His Choice"

Malmö FF Nears Unexpected SM Gold in Women's Top Division
3 MIN READ

Malmö FF Nears Unexpected SM Gold in Women's Top Division

Amo HK Urges Uppvidinge for Arena Renovation to Stay in Elite League
1 MIN READ

Amo HK Urges Uppvidinge for Arena Renovation to Stay in Elite League

Skellefteå Faces Goalkeeper Crisis as Linus Söderström Out Until Year-End
2 MIN READ

Skellefteå Faces Goalkeeper Crisis as Linus Söderström Out Until Year-End

Man Sentenced to Prison for Pushing Person onto Stockholm Subway Track
1 MIN READ

Man Sentenced to Prison for Pushing Person onto Stockholm Subway Track

World Championship Qualification Guide: Sweden vs Slovenia Preview
3 MIN READ

World Championship Qualification Guide: Sweden vs Slovenia Preview

London City Lionesses Set New Transfer Record with Grace Geyoro Signing
1 MIN READ

London City Lionesses Set New Transfer Record with Grace Geyoro Signing

Sweden's Strategy for European Basketball Championship: "Will Shock Them"
2 MIN READ

Sweden's Strategy for European Basketball Championship: "Will Shock Them"

Swedes May Miss Sweden vs Slovenia World Championship Qualifier on TV
1 MIN READ

Swedes May Miss Sweden vs Slovenia World Championship Qualifier on TV