Internationals on collision course with Prem bosses as Ryan Giggs reveals Uefa plan for Nations League triple-headers
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RYAN GIGGS revealed Uefa plan to turn the Nations League into TRIPLE-HEADERS this autumn — which could spark a club v country row.
Wales boss Giggs says Uefa now want three games in ten days during both September and October, to allow the play-offs for next summer’s rescheduled Euros to be completed in November.
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But the Nations League proposal would put Giggs and England chief Gareth Southgate on a collision course with Premier League bosses such as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola due to fixture congestion.
Giggs told Sky Sports’ Football Show: “We are earmarked for September, triple-headers, so three games rather than the usual two.
“I already have managers ringing me when there are two games — three is going to be tough. I’m going to have to pick a squad of 40!”
Giggs’ Wales have been drawn in the second season of the Nations League against the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Bulgaria in Group B4.
While Southgate’s Three Lions will face Belgium, Denmark and Iceland in Group A2.
Euro 2020 has already been delayed by 12 months due to COVID-19 and with the play-offs pencilled in for November, qualified teams for the finals are due to play friendly matches in that international window.
Giggs told Sky Sports’ Football Show: “There are still games to be played for the play-offs to get to the Euros so they want to earmark that for November.
“There’s been a little bit of change and it’s something we’re not used to compared to the window we have.
“The Nations League was a success when it was introduced for the first time 18 months ago and the fans will understand a lot more about it.
“It’s going to be different but like everyone else we’re just waiting and hopefully getting back to football when it is safe sooner rather than later.
“It’s a really important time for international football because we will have a really condensed calendar over the next couple of years with the Euros next year and after that the World Cup which is going to be later on in the year which is already going to alter the calendar.
“There has to be a plan for international football, short-term, medium-term and long-term because of all the football that is going to be condensed into such a short space of time.
“Perhaps there could be triple-headers in September and October, then giving the room for friendlies for teams that have qualified for the Euros and teams that need to qualify, that’s the window for the play-offs.
“Of course, the Premier League is so strong, they want to finish the season, there are still games in Europe which need to be finished but for me, as an international manager, my priority is to get ready for the Euros next summer.”
Giggs’ Welsh side are due to take on Switzerland, Turkey and Italy at the Euro finals.
But the Manchester United legend insists his job has not been as affected compared to Premier League bosses.
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Giggs said: “We were looking forward to preparing for the Euros this summer which has now been put back a year.
“It’s not the end of the world. We want everyone to get back to normality sooner rather than later. But for me, it’s not as problematic as for Premier League managers.
“I just have to plan a year ahead and hopefully look forward to the games in September when the Nations League starts.”