Friendlies in August mad, says McCarthy
Monday 8th August 2011, 11:29AM BST.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today blasted the international friendlies as “ludicrous” and a “nonsense” as he expressed his concern at exposing players to injury this midweek.
McCarthy waved off potentially 12 players after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Real Zaragoza and won’t see them again until Thursday – just two days before the Premier League curtain-raiser at Blackburn.
Wolves have suffered before with international breaks having lost Kevin Doyle for six weeks in March.
And although Wolves only lose four of their probable starting line-up to international duty – Wayne Hennessey, Christophe Berra, Stephen Hunt and Doyle – McCarthy is frustrated.
“The internationals are nonsense really,” said the boss.
“We’re preparing for our first game and some players don’t come back until Thursday afternoon.
“We lose about 12, but not all first-teamers.
“There are four in the Irish squad, Berra is with Scotland, Hennessey is with Wales and Nenad Milijas is away in Russia, so that’s seven.
“I’m glad someone has said it’s ludicrous because it is.
“International managers have got big games coming up next month so I have empathy and sympathy with them because they’ve got to prepare, but it’s a ridiculous date.”
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Yes , I’m with Mick McCarthy, all the way on this one. Two days following the players return is simply not long enough.
Friendlies are never a good idea anyway, simply because there is no such thing!
It is full- blown, full-on competition for both sides.
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