Four matches in 11 days take their toll. Just ask the Danish national team, who raised the alarm about the tight schedule after this weekend's 1-0 win 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 schedule next year
Denmark, like Sweden, has had several injuries in recent weeks. But the Swedish camp is taking it all in stride.
"If you look at this camp and everything that has happened, it's shown that we have a good squad and players who come in and help immediately. It's reassuring, no matter what happens, whether it's the Nations League or the European Championship qualifiers. I'm 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 games 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 schedule will be in place next autumn, when the European Championship qualifiers are decided. Four matches will be played at 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 schedule has also been criticized for favoring the major nations, which have significantly larger squads to call on.
"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 the English 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.
