When asked about his opinion on playing too many games, Virgil van Dijk was subjected to a bizarre interrogation about salary sacrifices. The outcome was as you could expect.
The Liverpool captain has been extremely open about the issue of players being overplayed and how it affects their fitness negatively and over an extended period of time.
Van Dijk is crucial to Liverpool and his nation, and it is uncommon that he is given a respite. However, some people are made to assume that the money players receive mutes any discussion on the subject.
However, the Reds’ No. 4 did not agree with this notion when he made remarks about the demanding English football schedule and how players “should start saying something.”
The schedules are considered to be too busy in England. In a press conference before the Netherlands’ game against France, Van Dijk said, “Players are well paid, but this should never be at the expense of our health.
“We need to participate in more and more games. As participants, we ought to speak up and help find a solution.
In response to Van Dijk’s remarks, journalist Valentijn Driessen questioned the center-back if he would be willing to forgo some of his pay in exchange for a less hectic schedule.
Van Dijk was asked if he wanted to forfeit some of his pay in exchange for appearing in fewer games, to which he said, via Sportnieuws, “No, I am not willing to give up 10%.”
When pressed further, the defender said, “I don’t think that should depend on my wage. “You’re now attempting to influence my response by being polite.
“For instance, the associated Nations League does not affect my pay. Bonuses are given to us, but they are not guaranteed.
It is rather odd that a player worried about playing too many games and possibly cutting their playing time
It distracts from the underlying problem, which is players being hurt more frequently and leaving clubs and countries with no choice, and as a result, the quality of the product FIFA is trying to “sell” declines.
It might seem like going too far to demand improved player welfare, but Jurgen Klopp has been advocating for it ever before time began.
