Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that the club is contemplating granting players mid-season breaks in response to the ever-growing schedule in football. His comments come after the Professional Footballers’ Association, alongside players’ union Fifpro, initiated legal action against Fifa in June over the increasing demands on players’ time due to an “unmanageable” fixture list.
“The players need rest, and we’re thinking about implementing individual holidays during the season,” Ancelotti said. “This could involve a week off for a player to spend time with family, particularly for internationals who barely have time to rest, even during international breaks.”
Exploring New Rest Strategies
Real Madrid is evaluating this idea in collaboration with their medical and fitness teams. Ancelotti emphasized the necessity of in-season breaks, especially for those involved in international duty, who face constant pressure without the luxury of time off.
“We are analyzing this with our medical and conditioning staff,” Ancelotti explained. “It’s important to consider more tailored approaches, where we might give a player a few days off rather than having them train while not playing. This way, they get actual downtime.”
The club is keen to ensure that these breaks become a crucial part of player management, considering the number of games Real Madrid players have to navigate. Last season, after securing both La Liga and Champions League titles, many of their players participated in Euro 2024 or the Copa America, further reducing their opportunities for rest.
Juggling a Busy Calendar
The upcoming football calendar looks even more demanding for Real Madrid. The expansion of European competitions will see 36 teams in each tournament, with eight matches in the initial group phase of both the Champions League and Europa League, up from six in previous years. Additionally, Real Madrid will participate in the new Fifa Intercontinental Cup in December 2024, pitting them against the winner of a global play-off.
The team faces a packed schedule, with La Liga wrapping up on 25 May 2025, just ahead of the Champions League final on 31 May. Immediately following this, an international window is scheduled from 2-10 June, before the extended Fifa Club World Cup kicks off.
Amid these commitments, Ancelotti expressed uncertainty regarding several upcoming tournament dates, including the Club World Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. “We are aiming for seven titles this season but don’t have concrete details about when or how we will compete for all of them,” he stated.
Given the potential for the 2025-26 season to start earlier due to the 2026 World Cup, Ancelotti stressed the importance of advanced planning. “For players like Vinicius Jr, who come back from international duty, instead of immediately returning to La Liga, they might get a few days’ rest and go on holiday before rejoining us,” Ancelotti explained. “This approach will allow them to recharge fully before returning to action.”
