The Winter Break

[Big Sam]

What are peoples' thoughts on it?

Currently the PL is the only major league in action, with the other big European leagues off until mid/late January.

As a fan, I don't enjoy it. Just when I have time to watch more football, all the leagues go on hiatus.

From a player/coach viewpoint, I reckon the feeling would be mixed. Players love to play as many games as possible but 5 games in 14 days in England is a bit ridiculous.

 

[whall15]

You've summed up my views there.

 

[Bulldog Force]

I think a break in winter especially during a time that's meant to be spent with family and friends is a good thing. A mid-season break, it's only for a couple of weeks anyway, not like it's a month or anything.

 

[langpark]

Yeah the players deserve a time to be with their families rather than on the road, not to mention pig out on a Christmas lunch a bit too, without the stress of knowing you're playing tomorrow...

I do feel for Premier League players, but it sure is great for us football junkies in that it's not a complete football 'drought', the Christmas period...

 

[ME SO HORNBY!]

I'd never really thought about it until the other day. Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany were tweeting about heading to training on Chrsitmas Day. I know they are pro athletes and all, but it just doesn't feel right to me.

The players should get from 23 Dec to 2 Jan off at least.

 

[Twizzle]

you can never have too much football

 

[cleary89]

i like them playing. dunno about training xmas day though.

 

[Mong]

The amount they get paid I am sure they can give up Xmas and New Years for the time they are playing in the EPL.

They also sign on knowing this is the case.

I have no issues with it at all.

 

[RL The greatest game]

I'm sure that if there was a winter break in the EPL a lot of the clubs would just go and play exhibition matches matches in places like, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, and the middle east etc. Your kidding your self's if you think that the clubs would let their players rest when there is opportunity's for the clubs to make big bucks by playing exhibition match's in warmer climbs, imo.

 

[Big Sam]

Exactly right. A lot of the German clubs have training camps and friendly tournaments in places like Tenerife during their winter break.

Also PL clubs have been known to play friendlies in the Middle East during FIFA weekends so they'd definitely do the same if England had a winter break.

 

[WireMan]

Sod that.

Football over the festive period is ace.


Don't feel to bad for the players training xmas day, i would train all xmas day if i got to play for United.


Its the FA cup now, so players can rest if they need to.

 

[boxhead]

I would train on Christmas day if I was being paid a lot to do it, that way I can make it up to my family with lots of presents.

 

[Mong]

Lol!!!

 

[WireMan]

I would train on Christmas day if I was being paid a lot to do it, that way I can make it up to my family with lots of presents.

i reckon if Jose rang you up and said "we won't pay you, but can you train all xmas day with Real Madrid for free" you would be on that plane in a shot!!

I would.

Sod xmas with the family, i'll make it up to them.

 

[boxhead]

Nah, I'm an asthmatic with heart problems. I would pass out in the first hour!

 

[Big Sam]

Winter break over for almost all the major leagues. La Liga went back last night, Serie A will tonight and France is starting up again with the French Cup.

BL and Eredivisie resume in a fortnight though.