Glasner and Arteta Criticize Fixture Congestion

Fixture Congestion Concerns

Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, expressed his disbelief over the current fixture congestion affecting his team and others. He stated, “I can’t believe this won’t be fixed. It would be irresponsible for the players, and we have a responsibility for their welfare.” Glasner is particularly upset about the scheduling of matches close together, which he believes could harm players’ health.

Need for Dialogue

Glasner emphasized the importance of communication among football organizations, including UEFA, the Premier League, and the FA. He mentioned that the lack of coordination has led to scheduling conflicts, especially with international games and domestic cups. “It would be nice if they all talked together; this is their job, what they get paid for,” he added.

Arteta’s Stance

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, also criticized the fixture schedule ahead of their Champions League match. He stated, “Hopefully they will move our Premier League match, because to play two days later doesn’t make any sense.” Arteta is hopeful that the Premier League will adjust the schedule to allow for better preparation time.

Impact of UEFA’s Changes

The English Football League (EFL) has pointed fingers at UEFA for the current scheduling issues. They claim that UEFA’s expanded European competitions have stretched the football calendar too thin, leading to conflicts for domestic leagues. The EFL stated that the lack of consultation with domestic leagues has made these scheduling conflicts unavoidable.

Boxing Day Fixture Changes

Adding to the confusion, the Premier League has confirmed that only one match will take place on Boxing Day this year, a significant reduction from the usual full slate of games. This decision has been attributed to UEFA’s new structure, which has increased the number of midweek slots dedicated to European competitions.

Next Steps for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace has until November 11 to respond to the FA’s charge regarding fan behavior during a recent match. Additionally, they are pushing for their fixture against Leeds to be moved to December 20 to allow for better preparation for their Carabao Cup match against Arsenal.