At a recent press conference, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti voiced his frustration over the packed match schedule, which has left key players like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham physically drained. The team endured a grueling Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid that went into extra time and penalties, only to face Villarreal in LaLiga just three days later. Both Mbappé and Bellingham played the full duration of both matches, leading to noticeable fatigue.
Ancelotti was blunt about the issue, stating, “Today is the last time we are going to play a game without 72 hours’ rest.” He stressed the importance of proper recovery time and revealed that the club had contacted LaLiga to address the problem but received no response.
The demanding schedule has not only affected performance but also raised injury concerns. The Asociación de Futbolistas Españoles (AFE) has supported Real Madrid’s stance, insisting that players must have between 72 and 96 hours of rest between matches to protect their physical and mental well-being.
Despite the fatigue, Mbappé proved his resilience by leading a comeback against Villarreal, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 win for Real Madrid—an answer to critics questioning his performances in crucial moments.
This situation has fueled a broader discussion about player welfare and fixture congestion. Real Madrid is now considering seeking FIFA’s intervention to prevent similar scheduling issues in the future. Ancelotti’s firm stance suggests the club may refuse to play future matches that do not allow for adequate rest, emphasizing the importance of player health and performance.
