A blog by @dazzledChica10
Woj, Per, Vermaelen, Nacho, Cazorla, Ramsey, Rosicky, Ox, Theo, Koscielny, Podolski and Giroud were just some of the players called up to represent their club.
It is an honour for Arsenal to have so many of their world class players picked to play for their countries however there can be consequences for the club also.
International matches are squeezed in between Premier League schedules and games for other tournaments also.
During the football season the English teams have tight schedules as it is where clubs could be competing in up to 3 trophies as well as playing in the Premier League. This puts a lot of pressure on players as there are so many games to play and concentrate on.
At this point in the season if Arsenal were still in the Champions League and FA cup we would still have a lot of games coming up and not just the few League games we have left. Would our players need these extra international games added on top now?
The international games add more pressure to the players.
Should international matches be played between seasons?
If all the players that have gone to play for their countries during this international break come back injured Arsenal would be fielding the reserves and how would this affect our chances of finishing 4th in the Premiership?
Theo has already come back from the England camp with a hip/ groin injury, initial reports suggest it’s a minor injury but nothing is certain yet. This means while he’s injured Arsenal are losing a key attacking player who is vital in scoring goals.
There are also the psychological effects of playing in international world cup qualifiers that could lose the players focus on their domestic club. If the player’s country has lost a key qualifier match which they played in and that puts them in a slump this could be reflected in their club games.
With the current position Arsenal are in, we don’t need our players doubting their abilities or their confidence dipping we need them 200% on top of their game with their sole focus being finishing 4th or above.
However on the flip side it could be argued that a good result for the country could up the player’s confidence and improve their form with their club, I am sincerely hoping this is the case for our captain.
Giroud, Ramsey and Ox have all scored for their countries during this international break, here’s hoping this comes through for their Arsenal performances and helps us get the points we need from our remaining games in order to finish 4th.
The international break can have its benefits but also it can be quite detrimental.
Would it be so difficult to move international games to the season break?