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Hoffenheim coach criticizes UEFA for excessive fixture load

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 23, 2026, 9:33 AM

Last updated Oct 23, 2026

Hoffenheim coach criticizes UEFA for excessive fixture load

Summary

After Hoffenheim's 3-0 victory over Olympique Lyon in the Europa League on October 22, coach Christian Ilzer expressed concerns over UEFA's fixture schedule. He labeled it 'madness,' particularly criticizing the impact of frequent national team matches, including the Nations League. Ilzer highlighted the difficulties coaches face managing player workloads amid increasing injuries among top players. He argued for a focus on major tournaments like the European Championship and World Cup instead of less significant competitions.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Hoffenheim defeated Olympique Lyon 3-0 on October 22.
•Christian Ilzer criticized UEFA’s fixture congestion after the match.
•He highlighted injuries impacting teams like PSG, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
•Ilzer called for a review of the national team calendar and Nations League.
•Hoffenheim had 18 players on international duty during the last window.

Latest Updates

9:33 AMYahoo Sports — Hoffenheim coach says that UEFA fixtures list is 'madness'

What they're saying

"
Hoffenheim coach Christian Ilzer has hit out at European governing body UEFA over player workload, especially in connection with national team duties. "The UEFA fixtures list is madness," Ilzer said after his team's 3-0 victory over Olympique Lyon on Thursday in the Europa League.
— Yahoo Sports

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