West Ham United chief Karren Brady makes strike action admission
West Ham United vice-chairwoman Karren Brady says it is important for UEFA chiefs to listen to players over the threat of striking.
UEFA ripped up the group stage format in European competition this season and introduced a league phase system with more clubs eligible to compete and more matches to be played to determine which sides qualify for the knockout stages, on top of an expanded Club World Cup next summer.
The change has caused an uproar, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri this week suggesting players are close to striking.
Brady addressed the ongoing debate in an article for The Sun [20 September], saying: “I don’t expect a strike but it is reasonable for the men in shorts to ask the men in suits to listen to them.”
Karren Brady tackling potential long-term problem for West Ham
After a summer of frivolous spending in East London, it is no secret that a return to Europe is on the agenda for West Ham this season.
While the start to life under Julen Lopetegui has been far from ideal, with one win from his opening four fixtures, on paper the Hammers are still in good stead to challenge for a European finish this term.
For now, the extra workload Premier League sides must adhere to this season is a bonus for the Irons, fatigue will surely play a factor throughout the campaign, and with no other than domestic obligations to attend to, Lopetegui can capitalise.
However, West Ham find themselves in a catch-22 situation where this year’s gains could easily turn into next year’s problems.
The hectic fixture schedule that comes with competing in Europe could become a stumbling block for the Lopetegui project next season.
That is assuming that the Spaniard will still be at the helm in East London at the end of the season and the Hammers record a Premier League finish inside the top seven.
Brady must certainly fancy her side’s chances of returning to Europe to get involved in the ongoing debate, with her column showing the West Ham chief has one eye on the future and will do everything in her power to ensure the club can be competitive upon the return to UEFA competition.
In other West Ham news, an Ollie Scarles development has emerged.
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