Brendan Rodgers has expressed his frustration about the domestic fixture schedules in Scotland, claiming that live television coverage takes priority over a team’s chances in European competition. The Celtic manager’s concerns have been echoed by Rangers counterpart Philippe Clement, who suggested that the Scottish Professional Football League could give more help to European representatives.
As the Scottish champions, Celtic will have to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, but their domestic game against St Johnstone in Perth was pushed to a later slot due to television coverage. This means that Celtic will have less time to prepare for the European game compared to their opponents, who have had their domestic game brought forward to Friday night.
According to Rodgers, this is not only a problem for Celtic but also for all British teams competing in European competitions. “For all British teams, it is a frustration,” he said. “The TV and the slots seem to take priority over the game and preparation. We’re not the only team that’s happened to.”
Domestic Fixture Schedules: A Bane for British Teams in European Competitions
Rodgers’ comments have sparked a debate about the domestic fixture schedules in Scotland and the UK. Many have pointed out that the schedules are often designed to favor television coverage, which can lead to fixture congestion and unfair advantages for teams. This is particularly true for teams that compete in European competitions, where the stakes are high, and every minute of preparation counts.
One solution that has been proposed is to have more Friday night slots for domestic games. This would allow teams to have more time to prepare for European games and reduce the risk of fixture congestion. In Germany, for example, there are more Friday night slots for domestic games, which allows teams to have extra recovery time before European matches.
However, implementing such a solution would require a significant change to the domestic fixture schedule, which can be challenging. It would also require cooperation from broadcasters and other stakeholders, who may have different priorities and interests.
The Impact of Fixture Congestion on Teams and Players
Fixture congestion can have significant consequences for teams and players. It can lead to player fatigue, injuries, and a decrease in performance. This is particularly true for teams that compete in European competitions, where the stakes are high, and every game counts.
According to Rodgers, the current fixture schedule is not conducive to preparing teams for European competitions. “It’s not just about the preparations for the European games,” he said. “It’s also about the recovery time and the ability to prepare for the next game.”.
The impact of fixture congestion is not limited to teams. Players also suffer from the effects of fixture congestion. It can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, which can affect their performance and overall well-being.
Player Well-being: A Growing Concern in Football
According to the Professional Footballers’ Association, player well-being is a major concern in football. The organization has called for more support for players, particularly those who are experiencing mental health issues.
Some clubs have taken steps to address player well-being. For example, Liverpool FC has introduced a player well-being program that provides support for players’ mental and physical health.
Conclusion on Player Well-being
The Future of Domestic Fixture Schedules in Scotland and the UK