andyc24_uk 59 Posted March 27, 2015 Is anyone else really starting to get frustrated by the international breaks (especially this one)?It seems as though whenever football is getting exciting, along comes a week when nothing happens because of internationals. 2-3 games into the season in August... International break. Just when things are getting good in September...International break. The October and November ones aren''t quite so bad; but then this one, just when the title race is heating up... It''s so much worse now we have to have internationals on Friday nights for no logical reason. Leaves the whole weekend devoid of any worthwhile football. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyc24_uk 59 Posted March 27, 2015 To be honest, I''m not sure why games can''t continue when top players are on international duty. People complain about lack of opportunity for younger players to come through... well, if the senior stars are with the national teams but games continue, that would provide a perfect opportunity for youngsters to get a chance? Yes, it would disadvantage the stronger teams in a league; but only for a couple of games a year and honestly wouldn''t that just make football more competitive and more of a squad game overall? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Jenkins 0 Posted March 27, 2015 I believe rugby at club level continues during the six nations so as you say, why does football have to stop.I suspect there is a fear that clubs will be even more unwilling to release International players, if that is the case then it should be addressed with the clubs and players concerned and should not bring the whole of the Premier League and the Championship to a halt.Players may have to make a choice between club and country, so be it, at least we will then know where everybody stands.There is no reason why players that want to play for their country can''t get a release clause built into their contract for International games. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bethnal Yellow and Green 1,557 Posted March 27, 2015 The International form of rugby is regarded the most popular and the highest level (it is also the most lucrative for the players), the same applies to cricket.This cannot be said for football anymore where clubs come first for 99% of players.One week off a few times a season isn''t the end of the world and allows teams to rest players who aren''t involved. Hughton said the international break was vital for Norwich surviving in the Prem in his first season as it allowed him time to work on the team''s shape and stop a poor run of results. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PurpleCanary 5,557 Posted March 27, 2015 Norwich City played their first game of this season on July 15 and could play their last on May 25. That is a 44-week season. Can fans really not cope with a weekend off a few times in that 10 months? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lake district canary 4,531 Posted March 27, 2015 I don''t like the breaks either, but on the whole, whilst being a bit of a pain for fans, the positives probably outweigh the negatives - at this stage of the season and remembering our manager is still fairly new to us, a time to take stock, develop the attributes of our play that AN wants to build in and prepare for what is going to be a humdinger of a few weeks, whatever happens. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings of a Sparrow 1,414 Posted March 27, 2015 I find the whole thing as annoying as f@ck.1) General lack of interest in the National team2) Teams on a good roll just want the games to keep coming3) Teams on a bad roll want a chance to bounce back Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herman 9,755 Posted March 27, 2015 It doesn''t help when you read about players getting knocks, playing in another team, at a crucial time of the season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Jenkins 0 Posted March 27, 2015 Bethnal Yellow and Green wrote the following post at 27/03/2015 8:49 "Hughton said the international break was vital for Norwich surviving in the Prem in his first season as it allowed him time to work on the team''s shape and stop a poor run of results. "Blimey, perhaps we should have had a few more weeks off during his second season.😜 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tetteys Jig 830 Posted March 27, 2015 It''s annoying, but it''s quite good timing for us as Tettey and others can get refreshed and recharged. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bethnal Yellow and Green 1,557 Posted March 27, 2015 Tettey can refresh and recharge on his trip to Croatia with the Norwegian national team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yellow Wal 314 Posted March 27, 2015 The biggest problem with internationals is that they are so non-competitive.I ask you (with due respect to Lithuania) what interest is there when we are playing a lowly, poor team such as them?Make competitions more competitive (as the rugby internationals are) and people would, perhaps, accept the international breaks more.A European League of say five teams per division with a one up, one down promotion and relegation would add interest.The poorer teams would have the chance of playing each other and actually have a chance of winning a match and the better teams would not have to worry about how many goals they score against the poor teams in case the competition went to goal difference, as happens now.Competitiveness is everything, without it interest wanes, and that is exactly what has happened. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bethnal Yellow and Green 1,557 Posted March 27, 2015 You mean like the UEFA Nations League that will be introduced for the qualifying for Euro 2020?http://www.uefa.com/community/news/newsid=2079553.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herman 9,755 Posted March 27, 2015 That sounds a better system. A little confusing on first read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yellow Wal 314 Posted March 27, 2015 Bethnal Yellow and Green wrote the following post at 27/03/2015 1:27 PM:You mean like the UEFA Nations League that will be introduced for the qualifying for Euro 2020? http://www.uefa.com/community/news/newsid=2079553.html ---------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for that Bethnal. Somehow I must have missed this.However, looking at the format it does look typical of EUFA.Why make a straightforward league competition when a more complicated league with a grouping system and playoffs can be introduced?Nevertheless it looks to be an improvement. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tetteys Jig 830 Posted March 27, 2015 The beaches of Dubrovnik will be nice for Tettey now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FCC 76 Posted March 27, 2015 If the league games continued there would be even less interest in the internationals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
damn that Ralph Coates! 47 Posted March 28, 2015 break is a pain in the proverbial, but if it means a recuperating Grabban gets back into the team it will be worthwhile. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Highland Canary 76 Posted March 28, 2015 Very annoying. I suspect most supporters of club teams feel the same. The champions league provides higher quality football too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tetteys Jig 830 Posted March 28, 2015 Tettey got a goal tonight in a 5-1 loss, hopefully injury free! I see him as our most important player ahead of Jerome and bassong atm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herman 9,755 Posted March 28, 2015 Just noticed that. Played the full 90 minutes as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lake district canary 4,531 Posted March 28, 2015 Good for Tettey. No more Norway games this week so should be ok for Friday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gainer the Gopher 0 Posted March 28, 2015 Norway? Norwich? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quentin 0 Posted March 28, 2015 [quote user="Yellow Wall"]The biggest problem with internationals is that they are so non-competitive.I ask you (with due respect to Lithuania) what interest is there when we are playing a lowly, poor team such as them?Make competitions more competitive (as the rugby internationals are) and people would, perhaps, accept the international breaks more.A European League of say five teams per division with a one up, one down promotion and relegation would add interest.The poorer teams would have the chance of playing each other and actually have a chance of winning a match and the better teams would not have to worry about how many goals they score against the poor teams in case the competition went to goal difference, as happens now.Competitiveness is everything, without it interest wanes, and that is exactly what has happened.[/quote]That I agree with wholeheartedly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SwindonCanary 455 Posted March 28, 2015 Start of the season I always look for the International breaks, coz that''s when I can have a holiday Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheRock 170 Posted March 29, 2015 Wes is in the squad for the ROI v Poland game tonight. We need him back in one piece, his performance against Nottingham Forrest last weekend was quality, probably one of his best for the club Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Move Klose 303 Posted March 29, 2015 Thankfully Redmond is the only international who will be in action after today. So hope everyone gets through todays games ok. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZLF 274 Posted March 29, 2015 seems I am alone in enjoying the breadth of international games and seeing how our players do.its only a few times a year and builds to the finals every other year.Can do without friendly breaks though..Friday will come soon enough Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
morty 0 Posted March 30, 2015 The U21 game (featuring Redmond) is live on BT sport tonight. Kick off 7:45. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacks Back 0 Posted March 30, 2015 International breaks are a lot less boring if you watch non-league football!Ever since Leiston became my ''second team'', International breaks have become a handy opportunity to go support them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites