What is the point of this? Another game so the powers that be can make a bit more money, it is completely meaningless. It is not as if this is the Olympics and there is a bronze medal at stake. Maybe a bit more prise money but neither me or the team will see any of that.

Pre-season starts today too and none of my players have had a holiday yet, it has been football, football, football for the last twelve months. Even people who are so passionate about the game need a break. Clubs will want players back soon and then everyone will complain when they don't play well because they are so tired.

I still can't believe they are making us play this game. I know there are people who think that a player should be honoured to play for their country but I do understand the club verses country row. Clubs are like businesses, they pay good money for their employees and expect them to play week in week out. I use to manage a club you know. All us managers want is our players protected, kept away from unnecessary injury or strain. We don't mind proper international games but waste of time friendlies just because there is an international fixture slot and meaningless games like this we could do without. As an international team manager I need friendlies before major tournament qualifications and finals so I can allow my team to play together and work out which players play well and with who. What I don't need is this match. We lost in the semis, it was an achievement to get that far, we should go home heroes after this World Cup but if we lose this then what are the public going to think? This game, this pointless match, could destroy this team.