Arsene Wenger says the lack of a winter break in England means players used to having time off at this stage of the season offer suffer physically when asked to play so much football.
Arsenal have 5 games in 13 days over the festive period, and it can be detrimental when a player is accustomed to having a rest period.
Indeed, Per Mertesacker cited the amount of football English clubs play in the winter as one of the reasons for his international retirement following the World Cup. He wanted to be fit for Arsenal but knew, at 30, he needed to ensure he wasn’t overplayed, so he called time on his Germany career.
Speaking at his press conference today, the Arsenal manager said, “It is a shock to the system, those that are not used to it. The foreign players are all used to a break, but in England there is no stop in the winter.
“Many of them suffer physically. As well mentally, the players are used to a break over Christmas, to be with their family.
“The players from South America are used to going home, but of course in England you cannot do it.”
Indeed, Alexis spoke last month about how his tradition of going home to play ‘Santa’ was borne out of his own experiences as a youngster.
“I would run after them with all the other kids,” he told The Times. “It was people from the council on the truck. They would throw caramellos, sweets, and games.
“I always wished they would throw a football. That was what I wanted. I said to myself when I was young that one day, if I ever had the chance, I would do the same, but instead of sweets, I would throw footballs.
“It is sad, not having the chance to do it,” he continued. “It means a lot to me. It is a very important thing for me to do, to give something back, seeing people smile. But as soon as I can go back, I will.”
For now let’s hope he’s in the spirit of giving on Sunday at Anfield. And by giving I mean giving them a ferocious hard-time. And the keeper back ache because of how many times he has to pick the ball out of his net.
And so on …
It must be very difficult when you’re used to two or three weeks off to have to play football. You hear experts talk about ‘muscle memory’ and what have you so I hope Alexis can get through this period without feeling the effects too much. It reminds me of when I was working in an office and my sellotape was to the right hand side of my desk but then they rearranged the office and every day I would put my hand out to get the sellotape but it was on the other side. It took me so long to… Read more »
he rambles when he wants
Stopped reading when you mentioned muscle memory (clearly no idea what you’re on about).
Perhaps it’s you who’s lost this time… Pete ALWAYS knows what he’d talking about.
Skipping his posts says a lot more about you than it does about him!
2 inch gunner, I admire your honesty.
I don’t even need to read Pete’s rambles for him to get a thumbs up. He gets one just for turning up.
Upvoted first, read later. When do you even compose these things?
He is a politician, I’m sure no one will miss him.
Please can we get Rambling Pete his own occasional article on the blog?!?
please this
A deserving first post for once.
I would also struggle mentally if I couldn’t spend time with the family over Christmas… getting paid 100k a week. Hmmm
Lol everyone needs a break at some point. I get knackered after playing 5 a side for about an hour, while they play a 11 a side match once every 3 days. Yes there’s no doubt they make lots of money but it’s both physically and mentally tiring for them
Awww poor babies
Of course! Because having a bunch of money means you don’t need a stupid family!
I would trade spending Xmas with my in laws for loads of money
And also having a month of every summer and getting paid hundreds of k whilst being injured and playing Xbox at home.
The real irony here is that your sarcasm can be genuinely appreciated and it wouldn’t really be all that much of a stretch to do so.
It’s a funny thing that people always say that money can’t buy you happiness…then expect people to be happy about things, just because they have money.
You know the only thing money can’t buy? Poverty.
The only player I can picture as having the same almost boyish, innocent love for the game would be Santi. The thought of those two just playing football together on the training pitch just makes me believe there still is a touch of humanity underneath this hyperbole that is modern football. Compare Alexis and Santi having a kick-around to the image of Na$ri and Gallas sulking around the training ground.
That is just the image, nevermind the gap in quality!
Too true. I’m so glad we’re rid of that spoilt, sulky group of players from five years ago. Total wankers.
Probably a bit homesick because it’s his birthday this time of year as well.
Happy Birthday Alexis!
Now let’s celebrate with a hattrick against the pool.
Interesting, I knew it was Henry’s birthday next week as everyone keeps putting up decorations and dressing in the traditional red and white to celebrate Dennis giving his only Son many chances to score goals, but not Alexis’.
If anyone can get trough the busy festive period and boxing day, it’s, it’s his first time that he will not have a winter break but i’m sure he will cope better than some players that are used to the boxing day.
i meant if anyone can get trough is Alexis.
Ssssshhhhhhh…we’re talking about the FA…All Hail the Mighty Dollar!
I don’t think the lack of a break will affect Alexis adversely at all. He seems like the sort of player who’d love to be playing football 24 hours a day if he could.
My silent wish/prayer for the heavy festive fixtures…
‘I wish SANTA Carzorla never forgets to wear his birthday boots’…
O holy SANTA, grant me this only wish and I’ll be forever grateful!
Aamenn!!!