Everton boss David Moyes: Players want break not friendlies
DAVID MOYES has added his voice to those questioning the validity of November's international friendlies and claims top players "don't look forward" to representing their country in such matches.
Moyes believes footballers would prefer a break from top-flight football rather than playing matches to help football associations "fill their coffers".
His words echo sentiments expressed by Manchester City manager Mark Hughes and Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate, who have both called for the matches to be scrapped because of the unnecessary disruption they cause Premier League sides.
Everton had Yakubu and Joleon Lescott on friendly duty during the week, while midfielder Tim Cahill also played for Australia, albeit it in a competitive World Cup qualifier in Bahrain.
Moyes said: "I think that the international teams feel as if they need the friendlies but I think club managers and myself think the friendlies are not as important as they are made out.
"The players deserve a rest as well. Everybody thinks they own a piece of them and they should be playing Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday. I don't know when people think these players get a bit of time to themselves.
"I think the top, top players need a break.
"So many people take it for granted that they should turn up for an international game and play and it's their duty to do so but it's not.
"The players have to do what is right for themselves and their careers. They are paid by their football club, they are not paid by their associations."
Older/Newer
« Video: Wigan v Everton pre-match conference | A chance will come for Leighton Baines - Everton boss David Moyes »
1 Comments
Latest Premier League video
Mighty useful. Make no misatke, I appreciate it.