Pep Guardiola has warned football authorities they would be wrong to dismiss potential strike talk from his Manchester City talisman Rodri and other top stars.
Rodri’s claim that players are closer than ever to going on strike because of ever-increasing fixture congestion has been dismissed as scaremongering.
But Guardiola – a long-term advocate for footballers’ welfare – senses the mood is serious.
‘I am pretty sure that if something is going to change, it must come from the players and there are many voices talking,’ he said.
‘They are the only ones who can change the organisation (of fixtures) by taking a voice and doing something.
‘The business can be without managers, sporting directors, owners and media but without players, the game can not be played. The only ones to have the power to do it is them.’
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson complained last week that players aren’t being consulted about more games in the Champions League and Rodri – who will have to play for City at the Club World Cup next summer – went further by saying players might ‘have no other option’ but to strike without change.
Guardiola agrees games be less attractive if players are fatigued. ‘That is the reason why, not just Rodri, many players are doing it.
‘I would say not just in this country but all around the world, people are starting to talk. We will see.’
Guardiola will check on Kevin De Bruyne in training before deciding whether he faces Arsenal on Sunday in a clash between the Premier League’s top two.
The Belgian was replaced at half-time against Inter Milan on Wednesday night with a knock.
Arsenal have been City’s closest challengers in the last two of their four consecutive title-winning seasons.
‘They do many good things, high pressing, defending deep, in transitions,’ said Guardiola, who predicts another tough afternoon for Erling Haaland who failed to score against The Gunners in three appearances against last season.
‘Saliba and Gabriel are incredibly focused with Erling all the time,’ said the City boss. ‘It’s not one v one, it is always two v one or three v one. That’s why it’s difficult to attack them
‘Set pieces is not easy because they are taller than us and they are so strong defensively, they accumulate a lot of players.
‘That’s why I have to read well the way we have to do it.’
