Liverpool’s head of fitness and conditioning Darren Burgess launched a scathing attack on the English Football Association after an injury sustained by Steven Gerrard during last night’s friendly defeat to France.
Gerrard was forced to withdraw after 84 minutes of the 2-1 defeat with a hamstring injury, despite the fact that his club had agreed with the FA that he would only play an hour of the game at Wembley.
The Liverpool captain will undergo a scan today in order to determine the extent of his injury, which prompted Burgess to rant against the FA via his Twitter page.
In a post that has since been deleted Burgess wrote: “Unbelievable from all associated with England and English FA with regard to Steven Gerrard’s injury. Completely ignored agreement and past history.
“Completely amateurish and now we pay for their incompetence. Absolutely disgraceful.”
Fabio Capello has defended his decision to leave Gerrard on the pitch, saying that he had no choice because Gareth Barry had picked up an ankle problem.
“We spoke with Steve and he said he would play one hour, but after Barry’s injury we had some problems,” he said.
“That was the reason he stayed on the pitch. If it’s possible, the players will play the time we agreed with the club.
“But Barry was really injured so we needed someone senior on the pitch because it was a really young team. He said he was good. We’re upset about what happened to Steve, of course.”
The Italian admitted that Liverpool had requested that Gerrard should not play more than an hour.
He said: “They asked that he can play one hour if it’s possible. They can’t decide how long a player plays with the national team.
“If it’s possible, he’d have played an hour. I understand why they’re upset and I’m also upset.
“The problem is that, when you play this game on Wednesday after a lot of Premier League, Europa League or Champions League games, it’s possible there might be an injury for a player. The Premier League, every time, is a tough league for the players.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
