Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has made an official complaint to La Liga for their punishing schedule as they prepare to face Rangers next week in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Rangers welcome the Spanish side for the last eight showdown a week on Thursday at Ibrox, with the return in Athletic's San Mames stadium the following week, where the final will also be held.
But Athletic's vastly experienced boss Valverde isn't happy his side have been asked to cram in three big games in six days - including Rangers and Real Madrid.
After the second leg against Rangers, the Champions League hopefuls have been ordered to play at Real Madrid and then against Las Palmas, which the ex-Barcelona manager has complained about.
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He said: "We're going to play Rangers at home on Thursday, Real Madrid on Sunday, and then play Las Palmas again on Wednesday.
"So we have to play three of our most important games of the season in just six days? Why not seven?
"We have complained to La Liga. It's an issue they have to look into."
Meanwhile, Valverde refused to slam his players after they could only get a goalless draw at home to Osasuna as they lost ground in the hunt for third place.
He said: "Perhaps it seemed like I was angry on the pitch, but it was because I was worried we could have lost the game.
"It was a difficult match against a team who defended very well.
"The fans have to always be with us, even when things aren't going well and they were."
