Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has demanded an overhaul of football's scheduling.
The Reds will be without star striker Sadio Mane for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City, with his season only finishing last Friday with the African Cup of Nations final.
"We sit here and it sounds like I am having a moan or whatever. It is just the situation, in the long-term, is not acceptable," Klopp said.
"It looks like nobody can imagine a week without football in the year. When did that happen? A game again, a game again.
"It is difficult, difficult for the boys. Everything will be fine this season. But in the long-term? We have to change it.
"There must be breaks. Come on, let them go. Be brave. Don't treat every game like it is the last of a decade."
