Shay Given said this week that he cannot understand players who snub playing for their country, and Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is bucking the trend of Premiership managers who say friendlies are a "waste of time".
Luiz Felipe Scolari faces an anxious wait to learn whether three of his players will be ready to face Newcastle on Saturday after completing a gruelling 18-hour return to London from Brazil.
Chelsea Won't Moan Because Players Are Missing!
By Nu Mad
Updated Friday, 21st November 2008
The Chelsea boss was in Brasilia on Wednesday night to watch a Portugal team containing Deco, Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Ferreira get thrashed 6-2 by Brazil.The trio then faced an arduous journey back to London and must be doubtful for the clash with Joe Kinnear's team.
Scolari: "It is not a problem for us because we follow the schedule and know the time the players go to the national team.
"It is difficult sometimes because we stay here with five, six or seven players only and it is difficult to do our job, but we worked before the players went to the national team for the next game.
"When they arrive back it is only to check they are not injured and do a little training before putting them on the pitch.
"I understand my friends (international coaches) and when it is possible, I say to my players every time, they need to go to the national team because it is fantastic for them and the coach needs to receive these players in good condition."
Scolari hopes to have England midfielder Joe Cole back for their clash against the Geordies on Saturday although it is unlikely that he will start.
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