Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on the Premier League to protect clubs from having to kick-off early on a Saturday following a midweek match.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)

Currently, Champions League teams are not required to play at 12.30pm on a Saturday if they have played in Europe on a Wednesday night.

Arteta has argued that all clubs should be given the same protection. He says that physiologically, it is difficult to turn around and get the best outcome in such a short period, and that it increases the risk of injury.

Speaking after a 3-1 loss to Manchester City, which saw Arsenal slip off the top of the table, Arteta insisted he would not use the kick-off time as an excuse for poor performance at Villa Park, and said that his players were young and had a lot of energy.

“Yes. I think that is why one of the changes was made towards the Champions League teams, especially,” Arteta said.

“There are certain rules with the Champions League. When you are playing on Wednesday night and then you cannot play (on Saturday lunchtime). So I think that should apply to any competition.

“But I think following the same principle, I think you are talking physiologically, that is very difficult to turn around on that period to get the best outcome and reduce the injury risk for players, but that’s it.

“They put the schedule the way they did. It’s a bit unusual, but it’s what it is. The players are highly motivated for tomorrow’s game because we want to perform well and win the game.

“It’s not about being worried or not worried. We have to play. I want the players to be in the best possible mindset and physically ready to get that challenge going. It is what it is. We play tomorrow, we will have full energy.”

“We knew we were going to play at that time. That’s not an excuse.

“I think they (his players) are young. They have a lot of energy.”

Arteta’s call has been supported by others in the Premier League in the recent past, with former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saying that scheduling was “an issue” for many clubs.

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has previously called for changes to the scheduling system, saying that it was “really dangerous” to force Premier League players into action so soon after a midweek encounter.

In 2021, Klopp successfully pushed for the rules to be altered to prevent Champions League clubs playing in the early Saturday slot.

In general, the issue of player welfare has been a key concern in recent years, with several high-profile players calling for a reduction in the number of matches they are required to play.

Some have also argued for a reduction in the number of international fixtures, which can be particularly demanding on players.

In response to these concerns, FIFA and other footballing authorities have promised to look into the issue, with discussions ongoing.