Winter Break Concerns For Gus Poyet and Paul Lambert

Gus Poyet and Paul Lambert did not really show cheerfulness at the end of their recent stalemate game. Both of these managers shared the same criticism about an inefficient schedule which made their side player two games in a matter of three days. Poyet used the word “disgrace” to qualify the game leading up to the Boxing Day match that his side played against Hull. This backed his call to introduce a winter break after the no goal draw at Villa Park.

The Sunderland manager went on to quote Frank Leboeuf in 1997 where he stated that England needs to stop. Poyet mentioned that he is encouraged by the fact that other British managers want to stop for a break and he is pleased with that reaction. He further added that he believes the quality of the fans, the teams and the game in general would be better if the season was extended.

Lambert also chimed in. He had previously played with Borussia Dortmund and is aware of the value of a break mid-season. The Aston Villa manager stated that he agreed with what Poyet was saying. In Lambert’s opinion, as they are selling a product in the form of games, scheduling two games in a three days lapse seem nonsensical. The quality of the game is affected. He understands the tradition behind the Boxing Day match but does not understand how his side has got to play another match two days later. He believes that a break would galvanize the team and be beneficial to fans as well