'No other option' - Rodri expects drastic action from Man City stars

Rodri believes players are close to striking over their workload as he urged football authorities to take care of the 'main characters'.

The Manchester City midfielder had to ask coaches not to play as many games after taking on more than anyone during their Treble campaign, and had to repeat his claims last year with a similar burden. He then went on to the European Championship, where he was named the best player in the tournament but had to withdraw from the final at half-time with a hamstring injury.

Manu Akanji, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne have all already raised concerns about a schedule that includes an extended Champions League and Club World Cup this season, meaning regulars for their national teams could pass 80 games this year if City go deep in all competitions as they normally do. Rodri may have enjoyed extra rest given to him by City at the beginning of this season, but stressed that the worried players are close to taking matters into their own hands.

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"I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand. I think it’s something general. I think if you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever," he said.

"I think it’s the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think but lets see. I don’t know what’s going to happen but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.

"I can only tell you about my club and national team, but it is something we are worried