Ten Hag Warns of Player Performance Impact Due to Heavy Workloads
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has voiced concerns over the performance levels of players in his team, attributing the inconsistency to excessive workloads. Ten Hag believes that players are being “overloaded” with matches and are struggling to maintain their performances as a result.
The Dutchman highlighted this issue when asked to explain the contrasting displays by his team. He stated, “The players get overloaded and can’t bring the performances anymore.” Ten Hag further emphasized that the demands placed on top players have exceeded a sustainable level, not only for his team but also for others in the league.
Ten Hag drew attention to Manchester City’s recent draw with Arsenal, where Kyle Walker and John Stones were absent. He noted that the City team in that match was different from the one United faced in their 3-1 defeat last month. This, according to Ten Hag, is indicative of how heavy workloads can impact performance levels. He suggested that overloading the international program is contributing to a drop in performance across teams.
While acknowledging that it is impossible to completely avoid such situations, Ten Hag expressed frustration with national teams that do not cooperate in managing player workloads. He explained, “You can’t 100% avoid this, it’s impossible, it depends on certain facts. Also, you have national teams and so five times a year you give the players away and you don’t have any impact.”
To mitigate the impact of heavy workloads, Ten Hag revealed that his players do not train excessively between games. He stated, “We need to be fit, the standards in this league, you need to be fit otherwise you can’t match the standards that are required in a game. We don’t train too hard.”
The effects of fixture congestion have been exacerbated by the 2022 World Cup, which took place in the middle of last season. Ten Hag believes that the accumulation of games over the past 18 months continues to have an impact on his squad. This sentiment aligns with the concerns raised by global player’s union Fifpro, which has called for greater protection against dangerous levels of fixture congestion.
Meanwhile, football’s governing bodies are making changes that may further increase the strain on players. FIFA is expanding its Club World Cup competition, while UEFA is set to increase the size of the Champions League from next season. These developments have raised questions about the welfare and performance of players in an already demanding schedule.
In conclusion, Erik ten Hag’s warning about the impact of heavy workloads on player performance sheds light on a growing concern in football. The demands placed on players and the lack of control over international programs have resulted in inconsistent performances across teams. As the sport continues to expand, it is crucial for governing bodies to address these issues and find a balance between competitive fixtures and player welfare.