Losing two players due to injury, the Dutch national team coach said there was no need for a trial match

DBasia.news – The Dutch national team coach, Frank de Boer, has questioned the need for friendly matches in the players’ already busy schedules. This question arose after the injuries of two Dutch players in the 1-1 draw against Spain on Wednesday (11/11).

Center back, Nathan Ake had to leave the pitch early in the match due to a muscle injury. Ake immediately returned to his club Manchester City, so he missed defending Orange in the Nations League match against Bosnia and Poland.

Right-back Hans Hateboer was pulled out in the first half following a head clash with Spanish player, Jose Gaya. “I don’t think there needs to be a game like this,” De Boer said.

“Money is very important but we also have to look after our players. All interested parties need to sit down to talk because the health of our players is important.”

Given that competitions across Europe started a month later than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, national teams had to play three matches instead of the usual two in two weeks.

Clubs were also under even greater pressure as seasons were shortened. Clubs competing in the Champions League and Europa League are forced to play three European matches in three weeks.

De Boer’s criticism of the fixtures was also linked to Liverpool defender Joe Gomez’s injury while training in England ahead of the trial against Ireland.