As the debate intensifies, Guardiola says players have the power to spark change because the sport cannot go on without them. “I’m pretty sure that if something is going to change, it must come from the players,” he said. “They are the only ones who can change something about the organisation, to take a voice.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says any change regarding football's increasing fixture demands "must come from the players".

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on Friday urged players to lead the fight for change in the heated debate over the dangers posed by an increased fixture schedule as Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany demanded a cap on games.