Borussia Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin has highlighted the increasing number of matches as a significant burden for players, particularly those representing their national teams, leading to a higher incidence of injuries. Sahin made these remarks on Tuesday, ahead of his team's Champions League clash with Barcelona, a game in which Dortmund will be without several key players due to injuries.

This season, Dortmund has faced a severe injury crisis, with up to 10 players sidelined at one point. "It's not an excuse. I'm not looking for one... but it's a fact that the load on national team players is almost unbearable," Sahin stated during a press conference. He cited the Club World Cup, scheduled for June-July, as an example of the packed calendar, questioning when players like goalkeeper Gregor Kobel would get a break.

Dortmund is set to participate in the expanded Club World Cup, which, along with the larger Champions League and national team competitions, has resulted in more games for top teams and their players. The 32-team Club World Cup in the United States, slated for June 15 to July 13, 2025, will overlap with players' summer holidays, especially in a year without major continental competitions in Europe, Asia, or South America.

Just weeks after the Club World Cup, new league seasons will commence, leading into the expanded 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA has justified its calendar, while UEFA's president has argued that the issue affects only a minority of players. "The players travel extensively, but it's not just the matches," Sahin noted. "The game itself has evolved as well."

He added, "I'm not that old, but 10 or 15 years ago, the game was different—fewer sprints, less running. Now, you have to push yourself to the limit in every game." Sahin believes that despite his concerns, FIFA is unlikely to alter the schedule. "I don't think FIFA will change it now because Sahin spoke out, but I feel the burden on national team players is too high," he said.

"You can see it in top teams. Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid—many injuries. It's a trend across the board. I don't think that will change."

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