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SteemSports Editor:@scottybuckets
A never-before introduced winter break in the history of the English Premier League might soon become a feature of undoubtedly the most lucrative football league in world football.
The English Premier League has for decades thrived on its prestigious system of not shutting down footballing ‘operations’, during the winter and festive periods, but a new development reportedly under consideration suggests that the Premier League is now considering the introduction of the much sort after winter break.
Despite traditional winter-break by other top leagues in Europe being observed around the end of December with regards to the Christmas and New Year festive periods, the English Premier League is reported to be considering a January winter break.
A January break suggests that the traditional festive football season, which England and the English league is known for would not be disrupted or affected. The Football Association had previously stated that under the current Television rights deal, a winter break was feasible. However, of the top flight leagues – comprising Spain, Germany, Italy and France - in Europe only the England fails to observe any break in December of January.
With the current TV deal set to run till 2019, a proposed winter break is set to take place in January, suggesting that the festive football spectacles would remain unthreatened.
In a statement by the Premier League on Tuesday, it was revealed that discussions have been on for months with the FA and the EFL to tackle the challenges faced due to the congested football fixture within each season’s calendar and proffer alternatives to ease the congested fixture schedule; and to allow players have a mid-season break.
The Premier League also said once adequate space within the calendar can be found, they would be open to the concept and would deliberate with football stakeholders to ensure a workable solution is achieved. In the coming weeks an announcement on a new deal is expected to be made; as BT Sport and Sky Sports – and other potential rights holders of the league would be expecting to agree on new and restricted deals; with the Premier League also seeking an increase in the number of live matches shown per season, currently standing a 168.
Some Manager’s Take
Some managers have previously voiced their opinion on the lack of a mid-season break in the EPL and for players.
Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho previously said that the Premier League was being held back in the Champions League because of a lack of winter break.
Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola has also emphatically stated that the lack of a winter break would kill the players, there are too many dangers attached to playing continuously without a break.
So, what do you think of the new development? Would a winter break, enable the English teams dominate more in the European competitions (Champions League and Europa League)? Kindly share your thoughts below.
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The winter break is a great idea. It still doesn't solve the issue of so many matches during the festive period. So, I'm curious to see how the break impacts the actual schedule, but it at least gives clubs some time to heal & rest right before Champions League resumes.
The thing I found most interesting from other articles I've read about this is that it seems to be driven by the hope that a winter break will help England perform better at the 2020 Euros. I find that to be slightly odd that this would be the driving force rather than helping English clubs perform better in the Champions League. Regardless of the actual reason for the break, I think it's a good idea.
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I actually agree with you @ fanfutsal. The main reason for the proposed change doesn't seem to focus on a single factor.
Already, the congestion of fixtures during the Christmas festivities won't change, as stated in the post.
Then the matter of Champions League dominance erroneously hinges on the break, as against the quality of players a team has, and the quality bench too. And the logic seems flawed.
Then for the aspect of its relevance ahead of Euro 2020, also seems ironical. Because a congested fixture leading to an early closure or finish of the season would actually be what benefits England - so that the players would rest before preparations and hostilities begin.
All in all, it is a good development for the players to enjoy a few days of rest season. Thanks for reading @fanfutsal
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