Rodri: WIll players actually go on strike and legally can they do it?

Southampton manager Russell Martin said he “didn’t think” his players were interested in striking after their promotion to the Premier League.

He said: “We’ve gone from 50 games to 38 and a couple of cup games so I think our lads will be delighted.”

But he did add: “I think something’s going to give at some point. I think that will be that the quality will be diluted at the top level.

“The top players… you’ll see less of them because of injuries, so I think he [Rodri] has a very good point and I think it needs to be looked at – the welfare of the guys playing internationals and the Champions League.”

Ross Meadows, head of employment at law firm Oury Clark, said: “In practice, I think this will be a last resort if co-ordinated through the Professional Footballers’ Association or Fifpro as there are significant legal hurdles to overcome to have a lawful strike, including a ballot to all members and notice to the Premier League clubs.

“The PFA, for example, typically seeks to resolve disputes through negotiations rather than strikes. Historically, football players have avoided strike action in favour of collective bargaining and pressure through their union.”

Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart said on BBC Radio 5 Live that Rodri and Alisson were “just speaking from their hearts”.

“Two players there that are going to speak honestly,” he said. “They’re not rash guys, they’re not guys who sensationalise everything. I’m sure they just answered questions.

“Rodri, in particular, was asked whether they’re close to going on strike. I don’t think in the forefront of his mind was thinking ‘you know what we are up to… that is actually the plan’.

“He is just saying that at some point they’re going to have to stand up for themselves because it is a lot of football, and when you’re in the game and you’re so focused on winning and doing your best every day, the format doesn’t really allow for that.

“But football changes and evolves all the time. The clubs find ways, the coaches find ways, the squads will change and get stronger. It will just mean you will have to invest deeper into your 24/25-man squad.”