Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said he believes players would be willing to take a pay cut if it meant playing fewer games during the season.
Top internationals competing in the expanded Champions League and revamped Club World Cup could end up playing as many as 85 games this season, prompting some players to complain about the overload of the new schedule.
“Football needs to reflect because the objective is to try to play fewer games to have fewer injuries,” said Ancelotti at Friday's press conference.
“If that leads to lower wages, the goal is for players to play fewer games, so I don't think players would have any problem with lowering their wages if they play less.”
Earlier this week, Manchester City midfielder Rodri warned that players are close to going on strike due to concerns about their increasing workload.
Multiple playersincluding that of Real Madrid Thibaut Courtois and Dani Carvajal have supported Rodri.
Ancelotti said the players' threat to strike would not change this season's schedule.
“Complaints from coaches and players are not going to change the schedule for this season,” said Ancelotti. “It is important to reflect on this and especially on the players, who are tired. We have to analyse it. The players are thinking about changes for the future.”
Ancelotti also spoke about his team's form ahead of the match against Espanyol.
The Whites Bayern head into Saturday's La Liga clash on the back of a hard-fought 3-1 home win over Stuttgart in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.
“We made some great plays against Stuttgart,” said Ancelotti. “I think we played beautiful football. I see that our fans love the way we are playing.”
“Can we play better? Yes, sometimes. With our players, with our characteristics, we have to win and play well.
“We have to focus on winning and hope we don't have any injuries. I hope to see the team improve and continue to recover that good momentum.”
Madrid are third in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona, after five rounds.
There is room for improvement, but Ancelotti knows it will take time.
“We're not at our best, but that's normal at this stage of the season,” said Ancelotti. “That normally comes in October or November. I think we're doing well.”
Asked if he has considered moving to a four-man midfield line instead of his 4-3-3 formation to find more balance in the team, Ancelotti said: “Balance is a collective job. Adding one more midfielder does not necessarily mean you have more balance.
“This balance can be achieved with a compact team that makes sacrifices. Little by little, that is what we are going to achieve, as we have achieved in recent years.”
Ancelotti confirmed that Endrick He will start more games for Madrid.
The young Brazilian striker, who joined the club from Palmeiras this summer, has already scored in both La Liga and the Champions League.
“He will be a starter in the next matches and in the future,” said Ancelotti.
“I think you can tell by the quality he has. He is very humble, he doesn't talk much but he works hard and that is good for me.”
The Madrid coach also said that the French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is close to returning to action after recovering from a knee injury suffered in August.
“He will start working with the team next week,” said Ancelotti. “He is a very important player for us. He will contribute a lot to the team.”
