Jamaican international and Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake has expressed his frustration after Philadelphia’s 45th game of the season, hinting at the possibility of playing a total of 54 games.
For winning teams like the Union, the 2023 calendar has been relentless, leaving little time for recovery and preparation.
Blake, who has covered recurring injuries, believes that the overcrowded schedule is detrimental to both players’ well-being and the overall quality of play. He emphasized the importance of player input in determining the league’s schedule, urging fellow athletes to speak to us.
He made the comments while speaking to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Union goalkeeper’s concerns echo sentiments expressed by head coach Jim Curtin, who has criticized the congested fixture list. Curtin emphasized that an increased number of games inevitably inevitably leads to more injuries, forcing teams to field weakened line-ups.
Jack Elliott wants collective conversation to address challenges
The Reggae Boy pointed out that the issue goes beyond the regular season, with additional competitions like the Leagues Cup and international duties exacerbating the problem. He argued that the players should have a say in scheduling decisions to ensure their welfare and the league’s competitiveness.
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Veteran center-back Jack Elliott, also from the Union, echoed Blake’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a collective conversation to address the challenges posed by the packed schedule, especially for teams participating in international competitions.
As MLS continues to expand and introduce new tournaments, the issue of scheduling becomes increasingly complex. With the upcoming Copa America including numerous MLS players on international duty, the league faces additional challenges in managing player workload.
The debate over MLS scheduling isn’t likely to subside anytime soon, and players like Andre Blake are making it clear that they want their voices heard to ensure a more balanced and sustainable calendar for the future.
