The geniuses in Europe decided that they’d start their league for 3 weeks, then take a 2 week break for international games. its the worst. Can you imagine in the USA if a league too a break after starting 3 weeks in? We have bye in the NFL and All Star Breaks in other sports, but they are scheduled known and there aren’t 4-5 of them during the season. So frustrating.

One thing that has happened in international football is that
1. There are more and more teams (breakup of Russia, more independent countries in Africa) than when they started international friendlier.
2. Tournaments have expanded to allow for this increase in countries to participate.

3. The traditional power house national sides: Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Germany, Italy, Spain, never really have to play meaningful games, because they are never in danger of missing tournament.s

So, you are getting more football that is crap and the competitive games, are those that are between lower quality sides.

Just set the schedule, and get rid of international breaks.