Rafa demands fixture action
14 Sep 2007 - 08:27:01
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is seeking talks with the Premier League over a perceived unfairness in the fixture schedule.
The Spaniard is unhappy that his side must return to Premier League action following an international break with a Saturday lunchtime fixture for the second time this season.
The Reds travel to Portsmouth for a 12.45pm kick-off on Saturday just three weeks after a similar away trip to Sunderland following the last international break.
"We will be talking to the Premier League about this because it is not fair," he said.
"I don't know if it is possible to change these fixtures in the new year but I hope so because in the last few years, we have played more games on a Saturday than anyone and more away games (after both internationals and Champions League games) than anyone.
"There are too many early kick-offs and I am not pleased about the situation at all."
Benitez also has a solution to the problem which would involve English teams following the example of their European compatriots.
"After an international game or a Champions League game we should play on a Sunday," he continued.
"People might say we have a Champions League game this Tuesday so it couldn't work, but why could we not play that match on Wednesday instead?
"Another solution would be for the international teams to play on Saturday and Tuesday, rather than Wednesday, which would give the clubs an extra day to prepare."