Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa breaks ranks by making feelings clear on new Champions League

Ezri Konsa has flown in the face of the growing tide of complaints against player burnout after giving the new Champions League format the thumbs up.

A series of big-name players have voiced their concerns over the growing workload since the season got underway.

Liverpool keeper Alisson became the first to break ranks and has been followed by Manchester City star Rodri with Spurs’ striker Heung Min-Son and Anfield hero Andy Robertson also joining the chorus of disapproval.

Villa skipper John McGinn was also among those who spoke up but, in conversation with Villa sponsors Betano, the England international appears happy to take on the extended programme.

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He said: “The new Champions League format is alright with me,” said Konsa. “It means we play more games in the competition. It’s my first time playing in the Champions League – which was always a dream of mine – so the more games, the better.

“We got the experience of European away games last year in the Conference League, so we know how hostile it can be. European fans are different to English fans, it’s a different experience, and it’ll be a new experience for a lot of the lads. It will be different, but it’ll be nice to go on away days and experience something like that.”

Alisson had kicked off the debate when he called for the players to have a greater say in the fixture scheduling.

He said: “Nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games so maybe our opinion does not matter. But everybody knows what we think. Everybody is tired of it.

“We are not stupid and understand that. We understand that people want more games. For the supporters, it is amazing. More games, more bigger games, big teams against each other.

“The reasonable thing would be, all the people I mentioned – those who make the calendar, organising the calendar – to sit together and listen to all the parts inclusive of the players. I think so many players have spoken already about that. We just need to be listened to.”

However, Konsa will fulfil a liftetime’s ambition tomorrow night at Villa Park when he gets to sample a home Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich.

The German giants are in town for a re-run of the 1982 European Cup final and it has whetted the appetite of the former Brentford and Charlton Athletic defender.

He said: “My rise from League One to the Champions League is something I’ve only recently been able to really take in. I got my first England call-up last year and that’s when I really realised how far I’d come. I really enjoyed my time at Charlton, then I went to Brentford for one season and now I’m here: it’s been quite a journey.

“The idea of facing some of the world’s best attackers in the Champions League fills me with excitement.

"I look forward to every game and I already face top strikers in the Premier League week-in, week-out. Playing against the best of the best is something I always dreamed of growing up, so I’m excited going into every game. I know I’m ready for the challenge.”

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