Michel hits out at League

Coach Michel Gonzalez has hit out at the Spanish Football League (LFP) for how they are running the Spanish game into the ground.

The LFP and the television broadcasters have been lambasted by several clubs this month for their scheduling of fixtures in Week 1 and 2, with some kicking off as late as 11pm local time.

Michel has added his name to the list of complainants, who believe that the organisation at the top lacks the interest in sport.

“We have to blame ourselves for being complicit to this situation,” he began in today’s conference.

“Does anyone who likes football put on a match at 11pm? Football is being run by those with nothing to do with football and that is destroying it.

“This is why our players are going and why in our League only two can win and the others struggle.”

Michel also suggested that his club have been dealt a bad hand for this weekend’s schedule. Los Rojiblancos play at home to Getafe at 9pm local time on Saturday night.

“It’s tactless that teams like Sevilla, after internationals, only have half a day to prepare for a game.

“Surely we have the same number of internationals as other teams? I had to change to basic training today because a player of mine, Gary Medel, only returned at 1 today.

“Let’s see how many rounds we play on a Monday this year. Last year I did not play on one Sunday in at five in the afternoon in the 17 games I was here…

“But I have to take it and continue to fight, because if not, the finger will be pointed at me. You can watch what happens if Sevilla keep protesting.”

The Coach didn’t stop there, pointing out that in Spain’s Wednesday friendly in Puerto Rico, his player Jesus Navas played the full 90 minutes.

“You can add up all his previous minutes and he hasn’t played 90 for Spain, yet he played 90 and now has to play tomorrow.

“I like that during the World Cup and Euros he incidentally did not play that much. Big clubs have more weight and it is preferable for their players to be left out against Puerto Rico.”

Michel changed tact though in discussing Sevilla’s transfer policy this summer.

“I agree and believe that the team has resources, it is interesting. We have added competitiveness.

“In recent friendlies the team has been more solid, but the line-up can still be modified.

“Some people accuse me of not protesting, but the things I have to say I say internally. [Sporting director] Monchi has released 10 players in this market and has added players for a price that not many would be capable of signing.

“We have saved money and we have strengthened the squad.”

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