Milking ’em dry
Martinez fears mental fatigue will ruin Belgium and England’s quest
LONDON: Roberto Martinez fears “mental fatigue” could wreck both Belgium and England’s World Cup chances.
The Spaniard’s squad for next week’s friendly with Saudi Arabia contains 10 players from the English Premier League, where there is no winter break unlike the other top leagues in Europe.
And Martinez is worried that Belgium will subsequently suffer in the summer – as will their Group G opponents England.
The former Wigan and Everton boss said: “One of the biggest issues is how you can get the players who have been through the demands of the Premier League to refresh in time and then be up for the major tournaments.
“It’s always been a major issue and not just for the English players – it’s for any player that plays in that league.
“If you want to be competitive at international level, the players need to have a mental break in the winter.
“It’s very different when you work with players in Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Holland.
“They have a little bit of a break and mentally – it’s not physically – it allows you to have a second half of the season at a better level.
“My personal experience of seven seasons in the Premier League is seeing players getting to March with mental fatigue.
“That’s what we need to be careful of this camp and that’s why we’ve picked to play only one game.
“We need to have in mind the mental state of the players.”
Martinez actually thinks England striker Harry Kane’s lay-off with an ankle injury could help Gareth Southgate’s side come the World Cup.
He explained: “That’s something that maybe, indirectly, will give him that break that he needs.”
Martinez’s future at Belgium has been the subject of speculation this week as his two- year contract runs out after the World Cup.
Former Belgian goalkeeper Michel Preud’homme has been earmarked as a potential successor and wants to know where he stands as Belgium League’s Standard Liege are also keen to appoint him for next season.
But Martinez is minded to extend his stay with the Red Devils – but insists it does not make sense to enter talks until after Russia.
He added: “My position is that I love living in Belgium, I love the responsibility of being with the Red Devils.
“There is a long-term ambition as well. I can see a longer period than there is now for the national team coach.
“The federation need to say if they are happy with the work that is being going on or not.
“But the World Cup is a big competition for us and after that we will see what is best for Belgian football.
“I don’t think now is the moment to make evaluations.” — The Sun, London