Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has complained about the scheduling of midweek international football matches, claiming it worsens an already congested fixture list.
The Spaniard’s annoyance was sparked by an injury to Fernando Torres during Spain’s friendly against France which has resulted in the striker missing out of Sunday’s visit to Chelsea.
Benitez also accused Argentina and Guatemala of greed for staging a friendly in Los Angeles.
“We should not have had international friendlies this week,” he said. “We have lost Torres, and [Javier] Mascherano is not due back until Friday after playing for Argentina in Los Angeles. It is a busy period for the clubs so it is not fair.
“It doesn’t matter if the national associations pay money if you have a player injured. We have three important games in three different competitions in 10 days, and we have lost Torres and maybe other players. It’s not fair on the clubs. I don’t just mean Liverpool, I mean everyone, especially the top teams.
“Why do they have to play in Los Angeles? Just money. Javier will fly back to Manchester and will arrive here on Friday. With the change of continents and the danger of jet lag, I will have to wait and see if I can use him against Chelsea.”
Torres limped off 23 minutes into Spain’s 1-0 win over France and Liverpool last night confirmed he would be missing for 10 days.
