Dump international friendlies, says Dutch coach De Boer after injuries in Spain game
- Injuries mount, many of them stress-related muscle injuries, mount during packed schedule
Netherlands coach Frank de Boer questioned the need for international friendlies in an already congested calendar after losing two players to injuries in his side’s 1-1 draw at home to Spain on Wednesday.
Centre back Nathan Ake had to be taken off early in the game with a muscle injury and will return to his club Manchester City immediately, missing the Netherlands’ Uefa Nations League games with Bosnia and Poland.
Right back Hans Hateboer meanwhile was brought off at half-time after clashing heads with Spain’s Jose Gaya, who had to be taken off immediately for Luis Enrique’s side.
“I don’t think this game needed to be played,” De Boer told a news conference.
“Money is very important but we also need to look after our players. All interested parties need to sit down and talk because the health of our players is important. We all agree about that, and decisions need to be made.”
With European domestic seasons starting a month later than usual due to the Covid-19 pandemic, international sides have been playing three matches instead of the usual two within a two-week period.