‘I don’t think anyone was thinking…’: Portsmouth boss slams football chiefs amid congestion fears

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has criticized football authorities over the new three-week international break and the resulting fixture congestion. Mousinho raised concerns regarding player fitness, pointing out that his squad will face a grueling schedule of five games in 13 days once league play resumes.

The extended break combines the September and October international windows under a schedule previously agreed by FIFA. Portsmouth are scheduled to return to Championship action on October 11 against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium, with plans to play a behind-closed-doors friendly during the hiatus.