How Premier League clubs are using the three-week international break | OneFootball

The three-week international window has given Premier League managers time to reset, analyse and worry over injuries. According to NY Times, clubs are squeezing productivity while most players are away.

Staff at a title-chasing side say there is no switch-off, with coaches awaiting updates as some internationals could play four matches. The first few days did bring extra downtime for some.

Arsenal, with 17 called up before Kai Havertz returned injured, kept a planned mini-break despite a 3-0 loss to Brighton. Non-internationals rested as medics travelled, and set-piece coach Nicolas Jover is reworking corners after five games without scoring from one.

Friendlies and deeper analysis are shaping tweaks. Everton will try Carlos Alcaraz and Brennan Johnson up front to ease Thierno Barry’s load, while Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is probing a defence that has conceded 12.

Injuries could leave squads weaker. Liverpool recalled Alexander Isak as a precaution and Cody Gakpo awaits scan results, while Andoni Iraola is working with a skeleton group padded by youth players and a slightly lighter schedule.

Nine clubs have new bosses embedding ideas. Newcastle’s Matthias Jaissle has seven fit seniors back, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace have friendlies arranged, and Brentford granted week-one leave with individual plans.

Aston Villa played behind closed doors and visit Sevilla for the Antonio Puerta Trophy on Friday, 2 October. Manchester United host Tottenham next, and Roberto De Zerbi said before the break that Spurs must work more on fitness, with several seniors back training.

Whether this longer pause proves transformative is unclear. The format is set to return next year.

Source: NY Times

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”