-zuco-
16-02-2008, 04:53 AM
Owen Hargreaves is struggling to find a reason why Premier League matches should be played abroad.
“I think it’s difficult,” he says. “Yes it’s good to promote the league, but how much do you really need to promote the Premier League? It’s the biggest league in the world as it is.
“From the fans’ point of view, I think it’s poor because it means a lot to them and just to play games in New York or Shanghai or wherever for whatever reason - it must be money – is a shame for the people who pay to watch their team week in, week out.”
We are constantly told that the fixture list is too congested and that the players are exhausted and need a break, so is this idea also frowned upon by the players themselves?
If it’s one game, it depends,” Hargreaves says. “But anyone who travels knows that to fly ten hours takes a lot out of your body, especially if you’re being asked to play 90 minutes at the highest level the next day. But when you play at the highest level week in, week out – Man United, England, Champions League – the demands on your body are extreme.
“I don’t think it’s healthy for anyone to do this at the highest level for an extended period of time. The players who have been playing at this level for a long time, like Scholesy and Giggsy are remarkable really.”
Hargreaves has already struggled with niggling injuries during a frustrating start to his United career, meaning he has made only 12 starts in the Premier League and just 11 minutes on the pitch in the Champions League (partly because he was rested for the final two group games, with his team already through).
I’ve had small injuries that I probably haven’t had in the past,” he says. “But I feel strong and hopefully I can be fit for the rest of the season. We’re not all going to play every game. It’s a benefit in a way because when you play, you’ll be sharper. I think United last season had an exceptional season but they just ran out of steam towards the end and could easily, with a couple more players, have been a dream team.”
He is also optimistic about United's title ambitions and thinks Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford could be crucial in deciding who will be crowned Champions in May.
"We’re only in February,” he says. “At the end of the season we can say who was the best team this season. Right now they are in a good position, they’re in the driving seat, but they still have to come here in the league.
“I don’t think we’re behind the eight ball. Arsenal have a lot to be proud of this season because they’ve got a young team who are playing exceptionally well. But we expect to win. Those are the expectations we have of ourselves because the players put these demands on one another. That’s why I think we’ll get there in the end because we’ve got great footballers across the pitch, great winners, great personalities and we will not accept second-best.”
What do you think of the Premier League's plan to play games abroad?
Will it benefit the league?
Will it harm the players?
Is it all about the money?
“I think it’s difficult,” he says. “Yes it’s good to promote the league, but how much do you really need to promote the Premier League? It’s the biggest league in the world as it is.
“From the fans’ point of view, I think it’s poor because it means a lot to them and just to play games in New York or Shanghai or wherever for whatever reason - it must be money – is a shame for the people who pay to watch their team week in, week out.”
We are constantly told that the fixture list is too congested and that the players are exhausted and need a break, so is this idea also frowned upon by the players themselves?
If it’s one game, it depends,” Hargreaves says. “But anyone who travels knows that to fly ten hours takes a lot out of your body, especially if you’re being asked to play 90 minutes at the highest level the next day. But when you play at the highest level week in, week out – Man United, England, Champions League – the demands on your body are extreme.
“I don’t think it’s healthy for anyone to do this at the highest level for an extended period of time. The players who have been playing at this level for a long time, like Scholesy and Giggsy are remarkable really.”
Hargreaves has already struggled with niggling injuries during a frustrating start to his United career, meaning he has made only 12 starts in the Premier League and just 11 minutes on the pitch in the Champions League (partly because he was rested for the final two group games, with his team already through).
I’ve had small injuries that I probably haven’t had in the past,” he says. “But I feel strong and hopefully I can be fit for the rest of the season. We’re not all going to play every game. It’s a benefit in a way because when you play, you’ll be sharper. I think United last season had an exceptional season but they just ran out of steam towards the end and could easily, with a couple more players, have been a dream team.”
He is also optimistic about United's title ambitions and thinks Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford could be crucial in deciding who will be crowned Champions in May.
"We’re only in February,” he says. “At the end of the season we can say who was the best team this season. Right now they are in a good position, they’re in the driving seat, but they still have to come here in the league.
“I don’t think we’re behind the eight ball. Arsenal have a lot to be proud of this season because they’ve got a young team who are playing exceptionally well. But we expect to win. Those are the expectations we have of ourselves because the players put these demands on one another. That’s why I think we’ll get there in the end because we’ve got great footballers across the pitch, great winners, great personalities and we will not accept second-best.”
What do you think of the Premier League's plan to play games abroad?
Will it benefit the league?
Will it harm the players?
Is it all about the money?