The ludricously timed International break has far reaching consequences for some clubs more than others, those that have massive squads are less affected than those who don't and West Ham fall in to the 2nd catergory. Hammers first team and the club's 'significant' bench pails in to insignificance compare to that say of Man City or Chelsea and yet ALL teams are expected to field strong teams as the Premier league returns this weekend.
Mohamed Kudus and Edson Alvarez will play on thursday eveing and then commence an energy sapping journey back from the states arrving in time to have possibly ONE day's training ahead of the fixture away to Villa. They then embark on a whirlwing SEVEN GAMES in 21 days, which borders on the insane!
You might say "ah but they fly 1st class and can 'rest' during the flight", but the human body doesn't really differntiate between classes! Jet lag is totally 'democratic' when it comes to it's effect on the metabolism, it drains you and generally puts you right out of sorts IRRESPECTIVE of if you can drink vintage Port or fine wines, which of course players are not allowed!
Managers initially hope that their players avoid injury, then that they return in good health AND in good spirits, which will NOT be the case with Benrahma who received a 'going over' by his Algerian team manager for throwing a strop when substituted.
Others travelled with their National teams and didn't get ANY game time, this frustration is NOT good for players and has a knock on effect on their return. All in all the break might be good for FIFA and UEFA, but it is a pointless drain on the resources of clubs who are not regularly at football's 'top table', it is another example of an uneven playing field that is just gewtting worse! - Ed
Comments
well I totally disagree. Do
well I totally disagree. Do you know what its actually like for these guys and the so called 'hard life of long flights'?
They go from their 5 star hotel suite, into the waiting limo, straight to the airport, breezed through all the usual stresses normal people face, whisked onto the plane without so much of a few mins wait, into first class where their chair turns into a bed, lying there perusing mags and making the tough choice of whether to buy the new porshe with all its bells and whistles, or buying the yacht in the south of france,,,or both. getting off the plane, whisked through formalities, into the limo, back home.
then we are supposed to tow the line like Wenger used to, players play too much football, they cant be expected to play 90 mins after playing midweek games...ha, yeah ok.
Pointless Drain on Resources
Players are allowed to make themselves unavailable for international duty.
But almost no player actually does this, so it tells us how they value the experience/honour and are willing to travel and play?
I'm conflicted, sorry for JWP not to be selected, but delighted he isn't picked for England, hoping he will be fit and raring to go this Sunday!
I've got Bowen and J Wuppa in
I've got Bowen and J Wuppa in my Fantasy team - both unscathed, thats all I'm worried about.............