An increase in fixture congestion could force players to go on strike, according to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
City face a busy season ahead as they compete in the new-look Champions League and an expanded Club World Cup next summer.
A number of players – including City defender Manuel Akanji and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker – have expressed concern about the additional workload facing players in recent days.
Euro 2024 winner Rodri, one of the leading contenders for this year's Ballon d'Or award, agrees the issue is a major concern.
Asked if players could ever strike, the Spain international said: "Yes, I think we are close to that. If it keeps this way we will have no other option. It is something that worries us."
City begin their latest European campaign as Inter Milan visit the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
It will be their first taste of the new league phase – a 36-team competition in which all teams will play eight unique fixtures.
That is an increase of two on the old group stage, while teams finishing in positions nine to 24 will play an additional two-legged play-off tie.
Rodri said: "In my experience, 40-50 (games per season) is the amount a player can perform at highest level. After that you drop because it is impossible to sustain the highest level.
"This year we can go to 70, maybe 80. In my humble opinion it is too much. Someone has to take care of ourselves.
"When I am not tired I perform better and if the people want to see better football, we need to rest."
One player who looks to have benefited from a rest over the summer is City striker Erling Haaland, who has already scored nine goals after just four Premier League games.
Rodri feels the Norwegian's form illustrates his point.
He said: "Maybe he is a good example. He had a long break because his country didn't qualify for the Euros.
"You see you how he is performing right now and he is turning into that beast we saw in the early days."
City's clash with Inter is a repeat of the 2023 final, in which Rodri scored the winning goal.
He said: "We were watching the game yesterday because they haven't changed much and it was great to see.
"It was a great time but now life goes on. They are tough to beat and we will need our best performance."
