Louis van Gaal has condemned the lack of a winter break in English football and blamed it for the poor showing of Premier League teams in European competitions, reports Mark Ogden of the Telegraph.
The Premier League is now the only top division in Europe not to use a winter break and van Gaal sees it as the main reason that English football is failing.
“There is no winter break and I think that is the most evil thing of this culture,” van Gaal scathed. “It is not good for English football, it is not good for the clubs or the national team and I think you should change it. England has not won anything for how many years? It is because all the players are exhausted at the end of the season.”
The Dutch manager was speaking ahead of United’s home clash with rivals Manchester City on Sunday, and the former Bayern Munich coach was quick to point out a disadvantage for his side, claiming that an extra day rest gives City an extra boost.
The United manager also spoke about winning both the Premier League and Champions League, releasing a fear that he has about being able to do it in today’s circumstances. He said: “It is harder these days. The Premier League is the most difficult league to win because of the high level of the teams and you cannot beat a team easily.”
“Every team is a challenge. It is a rat race and then you have to play in the European Cup. It is not so easy and that is why English teams over the last few years have not won the Champions League because of the difference in the leagues”
Louis van Gaal’s first season at the Red Devils was a difficult one thanks to a long injury list but the 64-year-old blames himself for the squad’s problems.
“I was training them harder, but they were not used to training like that. I am convinced that players have to train and now they are used to that. I let go players because of that and I buy new players. I think they are more used to my training sessions.”
The former Barcelona and Ajax manager also thinks his new crop of players are better equipped to deal with the challenge of playing Manchester United’s busy schedule. He claimed: “You can see that with the new players. You can see which players were always injured. In my career, I never had injuries like that, but you always have to train. I just do what the game is demanding.”
However, van Gaal still thinks he needs one more player to complete his squad.
“I believe in smaller squads because you need perspective. Otherwise, the motivation is a doubt. Last season we had 24 players, we sold 15 players and bought five players. This year we sold and loaned again, 10 players and only six players we bought. I think 22 players and three goalkeepers is enough, so I am still one short.”
Manchester United will be hoping for a win over City on Sunday to really announce themselves as title challengers.
Comments.
Loading comments…