Benitez hits out at schedule

Updated 12.14 Thu Sep 13 2007
Keywords: football, Euro 2008, England, Champions League, Premier League, Rafael Benitez, Liverpool, sport

Rafael Benitez has claimed ahead of Liverpool's trip to Portsmouth on Saturday that it is "impossible to prepare a team properly" following an international week.

The Reds boss, like many of his fellow top-flight bosses, faces a rush against time this weekend as the Premier League swings back into action.

"You can prepare small details but to prepare the team physically and mentally for the game will be difficult" - Rafael Benitez

Many Premier League stars have been clocking up the miles playing for their countries in crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers and far-flung international friendlies.

And Benitez believes the limited period of time they have to recover for domestic action is restrictive.

He told the League Managers' Association's website: "I am really disappointed with the fixtures that we have because it is more difficult here in England.

"You play early kick-offs on the Saturday (after internationals) and it is impossible to prepare the team properly... You can prepare small details but to prepare the team physically and mentally for the game will be difficult."

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