Four matches in eleven days take their toll. Just ask the Danish national team, which raised the alarm about the tight schedule after this weekend's 1-0 victory over Wales.
"It's been intense, and a bit too much. We definitely needed at least a couple more days for this camp," said Denmark player Gustav Isaksen.
Same arrangement next year
Denmark, like Sweden, has suffered several injuries in recent weeks. But the Swedish camp is taking it all in stride.
Looking at this camp and everything that has happened, it has shown that we have a good squad and players who come in and help immediately. That gives me confidence, no matter what happens, whether it is the Nations League or the European Championship qualifiers. I am calm, says Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, and continues:
I'm used to it; that's how it's been for me for the last ten years. The matches come thick and fast. I'm trying to focus on my recovery, eating, sleeping and getting treatment.
This is the first time four matches have been played during the same international window. A similar arrangement will also be in place next autumn, when the European Championship qualifiers are decided. Four matches will be played around the turn of September and October, followed by two final matches in November. In other words, the men's national team's European Championship fate will be decided during a short, intense period.
Johansson enjoys it: "Awesome"
The arrangement has also been criticized for favoring the major nations, which have significantly larger squads available.
"Those who get injured probably don't like having so many games, but I like it. I want to play games and hang out with the guys," says Besfort Zenli.
Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson says these international breaks have been "fun" and compares the tight schedule to playing in England's Championship.
Then we play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, so for me it's not a big difference. I like it. It's a great bunch, so it's just a plus to hang out with them, says the 28-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for Stoke City.
