Robert Lewandowski Blames Fixture Pile-Up For Poor Football Performance

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has voiced concerns over the increasing congestion of the football calendar, arguing it leads to a decline in the quality of games.

Robert Lewandowski, the Poland captain, believes the intense schedule and lack of rest contribute to poorer performances.

FIFA and UEFA’s plans to expand tournaments in the coming years have sparked backlash from players and coaches alike.

FIFA’s expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026 and the introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup from 2025 have drawn criticism.

Prominent managers, including Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag, have linked fixture congestion to rising injury rates and player exhaustion, which some attribute to England’s lackluster Euro 2024 performance.

“It’s almost impossible to stay on top of your game every game,” Lewandowski told ESPN. “We are human, we are not machines.” He emphasized that the quality of football will decline due to the intense schedule.