Former Scotland manager McLeish understands the importance of such games for his international counterparts but is perplexed by the timing.
McLeish said: "I am sure the players are raring to go but the only real niggle for me is the internationals this week, which are a bit of a distraction.
"I am baffled as to why there are international games the week before the start of the campaign.
"I suppose not every country's league is starting this weekend and I guess it is a difficult one for FIFA. But it would have been good to have bedded down little tactical things we have been thinking about during the week.
"I won't see most of the players from a working point of view until Friday."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk