<span class="titolo">Disappointed Schuster Joins International Debate</span></p> <span class="sommario">With Arjen Robben laid up and Robinho out of action, Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster feels that the current international football setup works to the detriment of clubs like Real Madrid...</span></p> Bernd Schuster has weighed in on the great club-versus-country debate following injuries and controversies involving members of his Real Madrid squad. Arjen Robben picked up a knock for the Netherlands that will see him out until late November, while Brazil's Robinho arrived back late from international duty for reasons as yet unknown. Wesley Sneijder of Holland, similarly, returned to training in an untimely fashion, with Schuster predictably disappointed. International Pride "On the one hand we're delighted and proud that the majority of the squad has been selected for international duty, but on the other hand there is always the risk of injury, and that's hit us badly this time," sighed the German coach. "But we need to accept it and to give chances to other players. These are the risks that we run." As such, the coach was philosophical about Arjen Robben's injury, sustained during Holland's 2-0 win over Slovenia, although he revealed that the player had taken it badly. "I think he's very disappointed and feeling very low about it," said the ex-Getafe boss. "He came here with a delay to the start of his season, and had to fight to play." Changes Afoot However, Schuster had a somewhat more acid take on the cases of Sneijder, Robinho, and Julio Baptista. Sneijder sauntered in late for training, the Brazilians following afterwards, with some elements of the Brazilian press speculating that Robinho's late arrival was more to do with partying than a delayed flight. Either way, the South American pair will miss tomorrow's clash with Espanyol in Barcelona, with Schuster disappointed at this turn of events. "We must find a way to control these things," he said of the whole situation. "Perhaps the [international] federations aren't treating things with due seriousness, especially with regards to the return of the players. "For example, in Sneijder's case, he might have shown up at the airport only to be unable to get a flight. "For the next international break, we need to have as much information as possible, because then if there's a problem we can use our initiative to fix it in good time. "I've read the Brazilian press' publishings about partying from their players, and it's something that we need to stamp out. "We'll talk, hear their side of it. It's something that we don't want to happen at Real Madrid." The coach went on to reveal that Gabriel Heinze was given permission to remain in Argentina despite his injury earlier in the week. Special Treatment? In a week in which members of the FC Barcelona hierarchy called upon their players to "pace" themselves internationally, and even semi-requested two to skip the African Cup of Nations, Schuster rejected the idea that clubs must try such gambits. "The problem is that there are many clubs, and if one gets such treatment, the rest will want it, too," he explained. "For example, the German coach may reach an agreement to play a player for 45 minutes, but then 5 or 6 others may want the same. It's hard. "Of course, I'd prefer for my players to have played less; Sergio [Ramos] is one of the few to have played in every match and rotation would help him." Raul Tribute Schuster discussed the prospect of a tribute for Raul, who has racked up 102 Spanish caps in his career thus far. "People ask if he deserves it or not: I think that's not even open to question - of course he does," stated the coach. "But as Michel Salgado pointed out, tributes are for those who have left football. Raul's still young enough to have the potential to return to the squad. "That said, he definitely deserves it." Real Madrid kick off against Espanyol at Montjuic tomorrow at 22:00 local time.</p> </p>
