Bruce angered by friendlies

Latics boss frustrated by lack of time with players

Last updated: 27th March 2008

Steve Bruce

Bruce: It's a nonsense

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Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has criticised the decision to schedule international friendlies at this stage of the season.

Bruce has seen several of his players endure long-haul trips to play for their countries in midweek ahead of Wigan's Premier League game at Portsmouth on Saturday.

With the Latics fighting for top-flight survival, Bruce is angry that the timing of the international games leaves him scant opportunity to work with his players.

The former Manchester United defender is a staunch opponent of international friendlies at any time of the year, but is particularly critical of the current situation.

"We're disappointed with the way we played (last week) and then there's anger really with the fact I haven't seen half of the players this week, and I won't see them until we get to the hotel in Portsmouth on Friday," said Bruce.

Nonsense

"You want to work on the training ground and put things right, and we've picked up some suspensions and injuries too.

"But you can't work with your team because they're away on international duty.

"I know when you sign these players from Ecuador, Honduras, Jamaica and Barbados that they're going to have to play international football. But to go traipsing halfway round the world for a friendly game at this time of year - I just can't get to grips with that at all.

"I'm trying to protect the club that I work for and pays us, and it's been a nonsense.

"You know how bad it is getting off a plane when you've been on holiday, let alone when you're trying to prepare for an important Premier League game.

"Whoever thought of putting in a friendly game now - I'm sorry, but it's the wrong preparation."