Nick Blakely reveals why he isn’t fond of international breaks.
This past weekend has been an uneventful one, with no meaningful football to watch. Every time an international break rolls around, I feel like part of my weekend is missing because Chelsea isn’t playing. I guess the only good part of not having any football matches to watch is there is no chance of Chelsea ruining my day. However, I would rather watch Chelsea than be bored to death by an international friendly.
If you have watched any of the international games, specifically England, you will know how uneventful these games are. I think the reason football fans despise friendlies is there is simply nothing to play for. It’s the same as when Chelsea plays a preseason game; the match has no meaning. Also, the players don’t seem to take the games as seriously because there is nothing at stake. Perhaps the UEFA Nations League will change the intensity of international football?
I think another part of my hatred for international breaks is the fact that I care about our club more than the English national team. Also, it is tough to support players like Dele Alli and Harry Kane, when many Chelsea fans despise them the rest of the year.
Another thing that comes with international breaks is unnecessary injuries. Many crucial players are at of risk injuring themselves in games which have no significance. It is incredibly frustrating when your star player gets hurt in a friendly and cannot play in a crucial upcoming fixture.
The misery is now coming to an end because Chelsea is playing a specific North London club (who shall not be named). There is no bigger game for a Chelsea supporter than this derby. I have never seen Tottenham beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in my lifetime and long may it continue. Up the Chels!
Written by Nick Blakely – @CFCNicholas
