Borussia Dortmund's Nuri Sahin Critiques Unsustainable Elite Football Calendar And Player Injuries

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Borussia Dortmund's coach, Nuri Sahin, has expressed concern over the increasing number of matches elite footballers are required to play. He believes this is leading to a rise in injuries. Ahead of their Champions League clash with Barcelona, Dortmund faces a player shortage due to injuries, including Niklas Sule, Waldemar Anton, and Julian Brandt.

The team has struggled with injuries throughout the season, at one point missing 10 players. They are also set to participate in FIFA's expanded 32-team Club World Cup next year. "It is not an excuse," Sahin stated. "I am not searching for an excuse... but it is a fact that especially for national team players the burden is almost unbearable."

The expanded Club World Cup will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States. This schedule cuts into players' summer breaks during a year without major international tournaments in Europe, Asia, or South America. The domestic season for 2025-26 will start shortly after this tournament concludes.

Sahin highlighted the challenges faced by players due to increased match demands and changes in gameplay intensity. "The game itself has changed as well," he noted. "I am not that old but some 10 or 15 years ago the game was different with fewer sprints, less running."

He further explained that players now have to push themselves to their limits in every match. Despite these concerns, Sahin doubts that FIFA will make changes based on his comments alone. "I don’t think FIFA will change it now because Nuri Sahin spoke out but I feel that the burden for national team players is way too high," he said.

Sahin pointed out that top teams like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also face numerous injuries. He mentioned Barcelona as another example of a club dealing with similar issues. "You see it in the top teams," he remarked.

Upcoming Challenges for Borussia Dortmund

The draw for next year's Club World Cup placed Borussia Dortmund in Group F alongside Fluminense from Brazil, Ulsan HD from South Korea, and Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa. This adds another layer of competition and travel for the team.

Sahin emphasised that it's not just about travelling between matches but also about how the nature of football has evolved over time. Players are now expected to perform at their peak consistently.

As clubs prepare for these demanding schedules, concerns about player welfare continue to grow among coaches and athletes alike.