Aston Villa boss expects serious attention on the players’ schedule ahead of the international break.
International break is back for the next two weeks from November 9 to 17. Each national team is bound to play twice, back to the usual standard one after the lengthy one in the previous one. However, it does not mean that all club managers are pleased with it. Unai Emery included. He has shared his concern on it, especially since the season is entering the crucial stage heading to more congested fixtures prior to the winter break, as reported in Birmingham World.
“It is a concern that deserves serious attention, particularly when players are expected to compete in several matches within a short period of time.“
The number of games some players feature can be too many to handle perhaps. They can not be expected to be in form for all games. Emery’s concern might be related to the current situation with Johan Manzambi.
The Swiss international had to be substituted in the 78th minute in their last outing against Manchester United due to the injury scare following United’s Lenny Yoro’s tackle. Fortunately, his injury is not as bad as expected but such would put the Switzerland national team in difficulty. He might not be available to play 90 minutes in the last two games of UEFA Nations League versus Slovenia and Scotland.
Emery surely hopes he could be rested in two games instead as the national team coach should do what the club does in their squad management.
“I do believe there should be a system for managing players’ workloads, similar to what we do at club level. It is important to monitor the minutes players are playing and take into account the physical load each player is carrying.”
In the current international break, Villa have to let go of some more players than the previous break. Beside the likes of John McGinn, Nicolas Jackson, Victor Lindelof, Johan Manzambi, Ibrahim Mbaye and Matty Cash plus George Hemmings for England U20, The Lions would have to release Joao Gomes and Ian Maatsen who received their call-up after a while. Their form lately has attracted Carlo Ancelotti and Xavi Hernandez respectively to be included in the squad.
Meanwhile, Brian Madjo and Ben Broggio are both named for the England U20 squad alongside Hemmings. They made the cut for two fixtures in the U20 Elite League against Czechia and Portugal. With more players to play during the break, Emery could only hope none of them pick up an injury when they return later.
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