By Hughie Southon
So here we are suffering our way through yet another international break having seen the Premier League halted for a month already on account of a World Cup.
The risk of injuries to any of the Hammers 10 players on international duty at a time when we need everybody to remain fit is absolutely critical .
Yet here we are again caught in a club or country scenario, which has been battled out for years, at a time when we are facing an incredibly crowded April fixture list whilst battling relegation.
That has to be wrong!
It becomes even worse when a player still not fully recovered from an injury – Vladimir Coufal – is called up by his country presumably to be available for selection.
West Ham have every right to be upset that has happened and given the awful organisation of this particular season, the powers that be really do need to sit down and make sure nothing like it happens again
Agree with you Hugh, on hearing this news I was also shocked by the news that Vladimir Coufal is travelling with his national team.
As far back as I can remember, there has always been a level of diplomacy and respect between the managers of international teams, concerning the footballer’s clubs. But to take a player who hasn’t even been declared fit enough to play for his club side is undoubtedly damaging the trust and respect of the club that pays his wages.
Indeed staying at home during this international break and getting Vladimir Coufal the necessary treatment so he can return to first-team action asap is of more importance than travelling with his country (with possible game time pencilled in) at this point.
Disrespectful and something which should Never Happen.