Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed concern over the packed fixture schedule and its impact on players’ well-being. In a press conference held on Saturday, Ancelotti revealed that the club is considering allowing players to take short holidays during the season to address this issue.
Ancelotti highlighted the demanding calendar, particularly for international players who have limited rest periods. He emphasized the need for players to be fresh and fit, especially with Real Madrid’s ambitious targets for the upcoming season, which include a potential seven titles.
“The players need rest, they need holidays and we are thinking about giving individual holidays to the players during the season,” Ancelotti said. “We are thinking about giving in-season breaks, giving a week off for a player so he can go and stay with his family, especially international players, who have very little rest because they usually don’t get even a day’s holiday in international breaks.”
He further elaborated that the club is assessing this proposal in consultation with the medical staff and physical preparation team. Real Madrid’s impressive achievements last season, including winning both La Liga and the Champions League, have further emphasized the need for player well-being and strategic planning.
Ancelotti acknowledged the impact of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in June and July in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The tournament will place additional demands on international players, prompting the club to consider adjustments to the 2025-26 season.
“At the moment, we still don’t even know the date (of the Club World Cup), same with the Intercontinental. We are bidding for seven titles but we still don’t know when or how,” Ancelotti said. “The 2025-26 season might start earlier because of the World Cup, so we have to plan accordingly, starting this season.”
Ancelotti proposed a specific strategy for players like Vinicius Jr. who represent their national teams. “For example, when Vinicius Jr comes back after playing with Brazil, instead of playing in La Liga, he rests for three or four days, he goes on holiday and then he comes back. That’s the only way. Normally those players train, even if they don’t play. But we’re going to take that away, let them do what they want on those days. That’s what we’re going to do.”
The packed football calendar has become a contentious topic in recent years, with concerns raised by players, unions, and leagues. The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) warned FIFA in May about the excessive workload, threatening potential strikes. Global Players’ Union FIFPRO, along with the PFA and the World Leagues Association (WLA), have also expressed concerns and threatened legal action if FIFA continues to expand tournaments. Real Madrid’s move to prioritize player rest reflects the growing pressure on the football community to address this issue.
