Fergie, Wenger, Redknapp team up to blast Hodgson over ‘PL clubs-desert rats’ comment

London: Premier League clubs bosses Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp had hit back at England manager Roy Hodgson over his ‘desert rats’ comment, saying that clubs will always come first over international call-ups. The England coach had termed clubs who allow players to use international breaks as ‘sunshine holidays’.

Annoyed over Hodgson’s comment, Manchester United boss Ferguson said that international football always interferes with the ambitions of clubs. Stating that club managers never agree with international football, particularly in friendly situations, Ferguson also said that players should be available for the European Championship and the World Cup. Queens Park Rangers manager Redknapp agreed with Ferguson, saying that international friendly matches are often meaningless games, adding that Hodgson, who also was once a club manager, was also probably pleased to give his players a rest whenever there was a break. Arsenal’s boss Wenger further said that almost every player wants to be in the national team, citing the example of United player Rio Ferdinand, who sparked outrage when he withdrew from World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro and then flew to Qatar as a TV pundit. ANI