Should the EPL Introduce a Winter Break?
Its a question that has been asked year after year, season after season, winter after winter. Should the English Premier League have a winter break like all other major leagues across Europe? With the record-breaking freeze that has swept England and the rest of Europe this winter, calls for a winter break in the EPL are louder than ever...
The Premier League has resisted calls for a shut-down in proceedings over the Christmas and New Year period for years, but perhaps the time has come to bring the Premier League in line with all other major leagues in Europe. Clubs in Spain, France, Germany and Italy all have a winter break before they return to action in January. Despite this, the Premier League seems content for its teams to play through the winter period. By doing so, the Premier League is able to take centre stage for European football by being the only league providing football at this time of the year.
When the weather plays such a controlling role that games are forced to be called of, this only reiterates reasons for the Premier League to introduce a winter break. This year, countless games have been postponed due to safety and travel concerns along with frozen pitches making any kind of match completely unplayable.
Even so, some argue that there should be a winter break regardless of the weather. Giving players a chance to rest would allow them to return in the new year fresh and ready for the remainder of the season. Not only that, but it would give fans a break to. Travelling in these conditions can be dangerous when travelling long distances by road. As much as us fans are willing to brave the cold weather to support our teams, the odd bit of football fatigue is often unavoidable.
Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has been one of the highest profile advocates of a winter break. When someone of Ferguson's stature voices his opinion, you'd think the English FA would take note. For years, Ferguson has insisted that if England wanted to do well in national tournaments, then they need to allow rest for players throughout the domestic season.
Ferguson's views are supported by managers up and down the country. There is hardly a manager who doesn't agree that playing a potential four matches in ten days can be damaging for all teams, especially those competing in the latter stages of the Champions League. It might sound like an excuse, but if we look at England's recent poor performances in national tournaments, they could be attributed to players having run out of steam come this time of the year.
As always, there is another side to the argument. Some people argue that the current fixture list in England is already to busy and crowded. Any break added on top of this would mean and extended season and more time for players playing matches. The balancing act potentially offers a stumbling block for a winter break but if La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 can manage it, then why can't the biggest league of them all? Is it time England followed suit?
Even if players and managers support the idea of a winter break, not all fans would be happy with its introduction. After all, they're the ones who pay their money to watch in the freezing conditions. Is the fact that the EPL is the only European league not to have a winter break what makes it different and great?
So, is it only a matter of time before the English Premier League introduces a winter break to the calender? Or do you think they should stick to tradition and play over Christmas? As always, let us know your thoughts...
