TVNZ FC: Kiwi Premier League star Chris Wood frustrated at lack of All Whites matches

March 27, 2019

The Burnley striker talks to Victor Waters as we round up the big issues in football during the international break, and take a look at Andrew Durante’s 300-game career with the Phoenix.

All Whites and Burnley striker Chris Wood has voiced his frustration at the men's national team's current situation.

The All Whites haven't featured in an international fixture since an intercontinental tournament in India last July. That event featured mainly development players.

Wood says things need to change.

"It's a little bit frustrating. It's been nearly a year since the main squad got together in Spain last March," said Wood.

"I know the boys had the games in India over summer, well most of the younger lads. It's probably gone long enough now that we need to get back playing games and we need to start looking towards the next qualifying rounds."

This international football break means New Zealand have gone nearly 300 days without a game, their longest drought in 11 years.

With no competitive games until the next FIFA window in June, Wood believes the lack of games is detrimental for their future plans.

"We need to build a team under the new manager, because all respect to him, we haven't given him much hope yet because he hasn't had a training session with all the players he'd like to be involved. He's been able to look at some players but not everybody."

Wood has placed his faith in interim technical director Andy Boyens and says he needs to be given more freedom.

"His hands are tied because nobody really has the final say, so until they give him the job permanently so it's a frustrating one and we need to sort it out as soon as possible."

The 27-year-old returns to the field this weekend against Wolves in the Premier League.

By Breakfast sport producer Victor Waters

SHARE ME

More Stories