England boss Fabio Capello has defended the friendly against Brazil in Qatar next month.
Italian manager hits back at Fergie claims
England boss Fabio Capello has defended the friendly against Brazil in Qatar next month.
The fixture had been criticised by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a 'coach's nightmare' but the Three Lions boss has hit back saying that players will have ample time to recover for their club duties.
Countries involved in World Cup play-offs will play two matches during the November domestic break, while Germany, Spain, Italy and Holland are also scheduled to play twice.
However, Capello defended the 6,500-mile round journey to the Middle East, saying that England decided to play just one game as a mark of respect for Premier League managers.
"I don't understand what this is all about," he said.
"Most other countries are playing two games but we are only playing one match and returning the players on Sunday, four days earlier than the other countries.
"We did this out of respect to the players and their clubs at such a busy time in the fixture calendar."
