The growing strain on professional footballers is reaching a critical point, with Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin warning that a player strike is a serious possibility. Sahin’s remarks follow Manchester City midfielder Rodri’s recent statement that players are nearing a breaking point due to the increased workload caused by expanded tournaments like the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, along with increased national team commitments.
Sahin, a former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Dortmund player, expressed his concern, saying, “When players are already talking about strikes, you know it’s a serious situation.” He pointed out that even high-profile coaches like Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have been vocal about the issue for years, but no concrete action has been taken. “If the organizations or people don’t worry about it, then we have to worry about it,” Sahin added.
Despite the mounting pressure, Sahin is pleased with how his Dortmund players have managed their workload. Dortmund comfortably beat Club Brugge 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday, with a full squad available for their upcoming Bundesliga match against VfB Stuttgart, except for midfielder Giovanni Reyna who is recovering from a groin injury.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Sahin emphasized Dortmund’s determination to overcome their past struggles against Stuttgart. They lost three times to Stuttgart last season, twice in the Bundesliga, but are currently in good form, having won two of their first three league matches. Meanwhile, Stuttgart is struggling, with only one victory so far. “We are travelling to Stuttgart with the aim of winning the game. We want to show a different face there than last season,” Sahin declared.
