Fair enough, calling the Premier League fixture list `evil´ may be taking things a bit too far, but I still think that the Arsenal boss should have some sense of sympathy with his fellow Premier League boss Louis van Gaal, because I feel that the Man United boss is right to say that the lack of a winter break in England is not good for Arsenal or any other Premier League club.
It is not good for the England national team either and I can understand why the Frenchman is not too fussed about that, although maybe he should be now that Arsenal are usually the mainstay of the three lions with the likes of Walcott, Wilshere, Welbeck and the Ox.
As reported by The Mirror, Wenger took the chance in his pre match press conference to disagree with the Dutchman and explain that he loves the busy festive period, insisting that it is one of the things that makes the Premier League such a global commodity, when the leagues around Europe have shut down but everyone is on holiday.
The Frenchman said, “I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal but I don’t agree with him on that.
“Maybe it’s because I’ve been in England for such a long time. I had his ideas when I arrived here but today I would cry if you changed that because it’s part of English tradition and English football.
“To suppress the game on Boxing Day… The whole of Europe comes to England to watch the game. It’s a very important part of us being popular in the world, that nobody works at Christmas and everybody watches the Premier League.”
Fair enough but the fact that the players from all the other leagues in Europe have had a nice rest cannot be helping the English clubs in the knockout stage of the Champions League and our problems in Europe and with the UEFA coefficient have been the talk of the football media for a few years now.
The lack of a break also increases the chance of our players getting an injury, so although we all love the christmas football period, would it not make sense for us to have a break at some point?
Listen Baby Please
First, Wenger is exaggerating when he says he would cry If Christmas fixtures were cancelled
Lastly, it makes sense to have a short break for the players. Their bodies could only take so much. Last season Alexis was brilliant in 1st half of the season and his performance slumped in second half. If we can give them a break we will see players perform better and give injuries time to heal
It can only be a good thing, but the FA don’t like doing reasonable things
I agree with the boss. I would cry too. I am already going through the summer without watching Arsenal and that’s just about enough. I can’t go no more without my team. Besides, it’s a bit boring even just watching the Internationals unless it is world cup of course. I hate international breaks because I am so used to watching Arsenal on a weekend.
He also has a point that I haven’t thought about. That’s possibly the reason why the premier League is so popular because everyone watches it in the winter. Agree totally
Anyways, bring on Everton tomorrow
#YaGunnersYa
Its a tradition that wont be stopped! Football on boxing day will be a main stay for years to come, not to be opposed! The fa and clubs make a lot of money during the festive period, why would anyone want to kill a cash cow business? Sorry LVG!
He also said he wants a break after Jan 1st…
I getting on a bit and my memory isn`t the best but I see to remember, not so long ago, Wenger
was supporting a winter break.
Wasn’t Wenger.
He said he supports the break after january 1..which makes perfect sense.stop being a tabloid and give as the full statement
I agree with Wenger, the busy festive period is what sets the EPL apart from other leagues in the world…..i do however agree it has it detriments too especially on the players but I suppose it helps that teams has squads and not just the 11 players, it is up to the manager,club and players to manage themselves accordingly…..for the obscene amount of money they earn in football nowadays playing on boxing day should not be an issue…..i will gladly work on my birthday,my wife’s and kids plus Christmas day, boxing day, new year eve and new year day plus ALL bank holidays if i earn what these players earn in a week in a year