Every other year we have had to put up with the absentees who get called up to play in this competition, and normally it has affected us worse than most PL sides. This years competion runs from the 16th Jan-10th Feb and if Nigeria make the final, which they well might, then we will be without the services of Moses and Mikel for 7 games--including our home derby with the Gooners. With so many of the African sides made up of players who are absent on contact in Europe, why cant there be a mass lobby to have this competition put back to the close season in Europe?
Because it's 40+ degrees centigrade in a lot of African countries from June - August! City will be hit hardest as they lose Yaya.
What about Arsenal? They must miss a few. This year is nowhere near as bad as it has been for us with Essien no longer featuring and Drogs and Kalou now gone. Personally I would like to see say a 2 week break in the European schedule every 2 years. Not really appropriate to move ACN due to the weather etc and it may raise the comps profile as well if no other football was on.
Its 40+degree's in most African countries from January to December--and it didn't stop those that are born in these climates playing football 12 months a year. If you think about it most African players tend to wear gloves if the temperature drops below 26 degrees!
I have to say, I find it amazing that the clubs that pay their wages can't stop them playing in a tournament that runs the same time as games the wages paying club are involved in. You run the risk of injury (Essien for example) and lose players during a crucial part of the season. It is a farce but I guess clubs know this when they buy Africans.
