Aston Villa official takes swipe at authorities for not thinking of 'players health' as Unai Emery's men face West Ham test
Aston Villa's director of football operations has taken a swipe at authorities over fixture scheduling - urging them to consider 'players' health'.
Villa were in Switzerland on Thursday evening as they made a big stride towards the next stage of the Europa League - with a 2-1 win over Basel.
Unai Emery's side travelled back to the UK after the game - and are now looking ahead to a trip to West Ham for a 2pm kick off in London.
The quick turnaround and fixture schedule has led to director of footballer operations Damian Vidagany hitting out at football authorities for not considering the health of players.
He questioned why sides not in Europe are playing on Monday evening, with Manchester United taking on Bournemouth in the Monday Night Football clash.
He said: "Zero excuses for us to give our best in London.
"My personal view we need to think carefully in EPL where football is going to.
"Only 64 hours since we finished playing in Basel until we start in West Ham. 64 hours between two away games.
"Why team without Europe playing Monday night football and other two no European teams in the late kick off Sunday?
"We don’t expect any consideration at this stage although we should because we are representing the UK football in UEL - like Forest and CP (Crystal Palace) - but, please, at least think on the players health. UTV!!!"
