International friendlies on the way out, says Wenger
Friday, March 28, 2008
Arsène Wenger believes it will not be long before there is no room in the
game's crowded schedules for international friendlies.
The Arsenal manager was at the Stade de France as a pundit for French
television as England suffered their first defeat under Fabio Capello on
Tuesday, and he feels such encounters have little meaning today.
"I am scared that in the modern game, there is no room any more for friendly
internationals – not because countries take our players, just because people
will not be interested in that any more," he said. "There is nothing at
stake. People want to see competitive games. Maybe I am completely wrong but
in the end you get people to travel and it is good as an experiment for a
manager to work on things.
"But, is it feasible in the long term for people to travel and spend their
money to watch this kind of game? I am not sure."
The Frenchman continued: "They are slowly starting to cut the number of
international games because they have no meaning any more in the modern
game. People want to see competitive games. You sit here today. You can't
say England were fantastic or France were fantastic. Straight away you say,
'But it was only a friendly'."
The former Arsenal winger Robert Pires, meanwhile, has signed a one-year
extension to his contract at Villarreal. The 34-year-old Frenchman, whose
deal was due to expire in June, had hoped to extend his stay for another two
years, but has had to settle for a single season.
Pires has made 26 appearances this season, starting 22 games and scoring
twice. Villarreal are third in La Liga, two points behind Barcelona and six
behind Real Madrid.
Hi: 18°C / Lw: 13°C
Nadal powers to title after epic win over Federer
Revealed: Ulster's most dangerous roads
Hammond and May refuse to sign new contracts
Deputy First Minister in Baghdad for peace mission
Thomas Beattie gives birth to healthy baby girl
Iran warns: attack us and we'll strike you back
Visting the city? Check out our guide to the capital
Swimsuit photo shoot in buildup to Vietnam final
Mandela honoured with the class of 2008
Video tribute as Queen's honours James Ellis
Supporters that made Euro 2008 one to remember
Fashion of the wives throughout the tournament
Pop princess Minogue wows fans at Odyssey gig
Try your luck in our GAA 'pick the score' competition
Looking forward to the famous biking event
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel