Soccer Players In England Demand Some R&R

Soccer seasons never seem to end. It’s the reason we love the sport so much. But it looks like England wants to take that away from us. Bloody bastards! A survey was recently taken by players union reps about whether or not to have a winter break during the English Premiership season. Thirteen out of fifteen responses stated, “are you freaking kidding me man? Bloody yes! It’s bullocks we play footie all year!” Well, something like that. Turns out blokes in the EPL (English Premier League) are hoping to get some much needed rest. While Spanish, German, French, and Italian leagues are skiing the Alps or basking in the Mediterraneans mild winters, England soccer clubs are slide-tackling in the mud during Christmas.

People like Manchester City manager Sven Goren-Erikson declared that a winter-break would possibly be a deterrent to injuries in the Spring, especially before grueling tournaments like Euro 2008.

“You would then have time to heal small injuries and recover mentally. Talking to all the managers in this country - as I have done - they all agree.
“And I’m sure you can’t find one football player here who wouldn’t love to have a break.”

Considering some players receive $200,000 a week to play, we think it’s completely justified to work them all year long. And what are we supposed to do if there’s no soccer? Watch hockey? Whatever the case, it’s easier said than done because England has more tournaments during the season than Cristiano Ronaldo has playmates.

“Nobody has come up with a plan that would mean we could fit all our fixtures into the season.
“In England, we’re in a fairly strange position in that we have two Cup competitions.
“Unless those competitions change their format and how they operate, be it replays or two-legged semi-finals, there is just not space for it to fit a break in.”

Resolved. It can’t be done. Now let’s never talk about this shite again.

Too much sport? [BBC]
Image [SI.com]