Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has decided to disagree his Manchester United counterpart Louis van Gaal regarding the fixture during the festive period in December.
The Manchester United boss had advocated a winter break for the Premiere League, as is the case in Europe, but the French is not a fan of the proposal.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager suggested the fixtures during the winter as “evil.” The Dutchman believes the busy schedule is hampering English club’s progress in the European competition.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Arsenal game against Everton tomorrow, Wenger said: “I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal, but I don’t agree with him on that.
“Maybe it’s because I’ve been in England for such a long time. I had his ideas when I arrived here but today I would cry if you changed that because it’s part of English tradition and English football.
“To suppress the game on Boxing Day… The whole of Europe comes to England to watch the game. It’s a very important part of us being popular in the world, that nobody works at Christmas and everybody watches the Premier League.
“I want to go on with it, yes. I always pleaded for a break after January 1, but we have to keep this tradition alive.”
Van Gaal claimed the festive period is proving a hindrance to English teams in Europe, and also said it was partial to blame for England’s poor performances at major tournaments.
“There is no winter break and I think that is the evilest thing of this culture,” said the Dutchman.
“It’s not good. It’s not good for English football. It’s not good for the clubs or the national team. I think you should change it.
“England haven’t won anything for how many years? Because all the players are exhausted at the end of the season.”
However, the Gunners manager has a difference of opinion regarding the festive fixtures. Wenger claims he would cry if there was no Christmas football in the Premier League.
“I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal, but I don’t agree with him on that. Maybe it’s because I’ve been in England for such a long time,” Wenger explained, as reported by The Guardian.
“I had his ideas when I arrived here but today I would cry if you changed that because it’s part of English tradition and English football.
“To suppress the game on Boxing Day, the whole of Europe comes to England to watch the game. It’s a very important part of us being popular in the world, that nobody works at Christmas and everybody watches the Premier League.”