Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has hit out at the scheduling of the latest round of internationals just days before the Premier League season kicks off next week.
O’Neill has branded fixtures including England’s friendly against Holland in Amsterdam on Wednesday as “pointless” with the league commencing three days later.
The Villa manager fears the unnecessary international games could place even more pressure on his small squad.
O’Neill expects a large contingent of his players to be called up for under-21 or senior duty with their countries next week.
“It is not just the England international,” said O’Neill, whose team’s Premier League campaign starts at home to Wigan Athletic on August 15.
“You’ve also got World Cup games being played three days before the season starts.
“It seems really strange and pointless to be playing those sort of games so near to the start of a season.
“We will have loads and loads of people away. We have got full internationals, under-21s and under-20s. We might as will invent an under-22 and under-24 competition.
“In a week where we will be trying to prepare for the start of the season, we will not see a lot of our players until Friday morning before the Wigan game.
“All international games three days before the start of the season are pointless.”
Arsene Wenger has backed Villa’s claims for challenging the Premier League top four – along with Manchester City.
“City look like they have made some great signings and have a high-quality squad, but it can take teams three months or more to find the right balance and to click,’’ said Wenger.
“But I think City will be there and be strong and remember that Aston Villa were challenging for the title last season.”
Villa host Italian club Fiorentina on Saturday in their final friendly of pre-season.
Luke Young and Wilfred Bouma will not play, while Stiliyan Petrov is doubtful despite returning to training.
