Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says any changes regarding football’s increasing fixture demands must be led by the players.

City’s Spain midfielder Rodri, 28, said on Tuesday that footballers are close to going on strike in protest at the number of games in the calendar.

“If something is going to change, it must come from the players. They are the only ones who can change something,” Guardiola said.

“The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media, owners but without players you cannot play. They alone have the power to do it.”

In July, Fifpro said it would take legal action against Fifa over what the global players’ union called an “abuse of dominance” in football.

A report by Fifpro said that a player welfare ‘red line’ was playing a maximum of between 50 and 60 matches per season, depending on a player’s age.

This season could potentially run until 13 July for some clubs, when next summer’s expanded Club World Cup final concludes.

City could play a maximum of 76 matches during the 2024-25 campaign in contesting the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions league, Club World Cup and Community Shield – while many players will also play international fixtures.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca echoed Guardiola’s comments and agreed there is “no doubt” there are too many games in the schedule.

“I don’t think we protect the players. It’s completely wrong how many games [there are],” Maresca said.

“The only people who can do something is the players. We can help them.

“I think the last two weeks some of the players have explained what they think and I think it’s a good starting point. Some said strike could be an idea for them.”