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Joe Cole Slams Football’s ‘Flog The Horse’ Mentality As Injuries Mount For PSG, Chelsea And Rodri
Former Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole has launched a stinging criticism of football’s governing bodies, arguing that the relentless fixture schedule is sacrificing player health and the quality of the sport for profit. Speaking with Paddy Power, Cole warned that stars like Rodri, Lamine Yamal, and Ousmane Dembélé are being “flogged for financial reasons,” risking both their careers and the integrity of the game.
Cole’s Take On Overloaded Players
Asked about Chelsea’s recent struggles, Cole insisted poor discipline on the pitch wasn’t linked to their Club World Cup exploits, but injuries across top clubs certainly are.
“Injuries, yeah 100%,” Cole said. “Look at PSG — they had 5 or 6 starters out against Barcelona. Chelsea have had the same. Manchester City too. These aren’t just squad players, these are the world’s best being run into the ground.”
Cole emphasized that football fans deserve elite performances, not tired, overplayed stars:
“You don’t want to see players at 50, 60, 70%. You want to see the best of Yamal, the best of Dembele, the best of Rodri. But when you keep flogging players, their levels drop. That’s not good for anyone — not the players, not the fans.”
PSG And Chelsea’s Growing Injury Lists
Both PSG and Chelsea are dealing with extensive injury problems early in the 2025-26 campaign.
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PSG were without Ballon d’Or winner Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for their clash with Barcelona, and lost Joao Neves during warm-up. Despite that, they still managed an impressive 2-1 win at Camp Nou.
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Chelsea — fresh off beating PSG in the Club World Cup final in July — have lost five central defenders and their star man Cole Palmer to a groin injury. Their Premier League campaign began just four days after the Super Cup, compounding fatigue.
Rodri’s Struggles Highlight Bigger Issue
Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Rodri also pulled up with another injury — a hamstring strain — during Manchester City’s win at Brentford. This comes just months after a torn ACL in 2024 that sidelined him for most of last season. His absence from Spain’s World Cup qualifiers is another blow for club and country.
Cole argued that the connection between overloaded schedules and injuries is obvious:
“It’s too simple to say, ‘They’re footballers, they get paid to play.’ This isn’t about money. Football should be sacred. It’s not about flogging the horse — it’s about riding the horse at the right time.”
The Bigger Picture
The Club World Cup’s expanded format, coupled with congested domestic and European schedules, has fueled growing concerns about player burnout. Cole’s comments echo what many players and managers have voiced: the game’s sacredness is being eroded by financial greed.
And with stars like Yamal, Rodri, and Dembele central to football’s future, the debate over whether the game is sacrificing its best for revenue is set to intensify.
News
BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria
In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.
Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.
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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win
Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.
Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.
Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice
Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.
Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.
According to the manager:
“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”
Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.
Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens
And Rice isn’t the only concern.
Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.
Arteta put it bluntly:
“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”
Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”
January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind
Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.
“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”
In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.
Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off
Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.
“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”
Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.
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World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again
Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.
With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.
Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books
The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:
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226 international caps
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143 goals for Portugal
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A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals
Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.
“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes
Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:
“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”
Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.
He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.
Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:
“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”
Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:
“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”
Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.
So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?
If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.
And with CR7, you can never say never.
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