Hughes calls for winter break

City boss bemoans congested fixture list

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 27th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hughes calls for winter break

Hughes: Concerned by schedule

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Mark Hughes believes the demands of the English game are detrimental to European success.

The Manchester City boss feels that the number of matches Premier League stars are asked to participate in is hindering their progress in continental competition.

English sides have tended to fare well in the UEFA Champions League over the last few years, but the success of those involved places substantial demands on a select group of players.

With that in mind, Hughes has re-opened the debate on whether a winter break should be introduced in England, although this would not reduce the number of matches played.

Disadvantage

With many of Europe's top divisions already shutting down over the busy Christmas period, the City coach is adamant that the Premier League should be looking to follow suit.

"I think English teams are at a disadvantage when it comes to the business end of the season and trophies are up for grabs," he said.

"Most of the time British players and British-based players are going into these games not in the peak of fitness because of the demands they've placed their bodies under from the beginning of the season to the end.

"So I think it's something worth looking at. It's been mooted in previous seasons but nothing's come of it so maybe there's an opportunity to look at it again."