John Print is SMWW's Head of Soccer. His unique experiences as both an agent and professional football scout allowing him to be the perfect mentor for our soccer apprentices and soccer agent advisors. John has been a successful agent for over 15 years.

The Premier League is having a winter break. How does it work?

In February English Premier League clubs will embark on their first-ever winter break.

After a hectic festive calendar, clubs will be given 13 days off to supposedly refresh and recharge their batteries.

This doesn’t mean over the two weeks break there will be no Premier League action for fans to enjoy. The schedule has been structured so that 4 games will take place on one weekend, with the other 6 matches taking place the following weekend.

For many years there has been an outcry for the English Premier League to introduce a winter break similar to leagues across Europe. Until now there has been resistance to find the time to give players a rest, particularly over the Christmas period.

In Germany, Bundesliga teams get almost a month off competitive action, France 24 days, Spain 18 days and in Italy 16 days’ rest. In Scotland players are given a 19-day break, so is a 13-day break for Premier League teams really enough? Many feel it can help the England team during Euro 2020 and give them a competitive advantage, but only time will tell if it makes a massive difference to performances at the end of the season and over the summer.

What will the players be doing during the winter break?

It has been agreed by the club that the players will take a 13-day break from competitive action. Teams are allowed to travel abroad for training camps but going overseas for money-making tours will not be accepted.

Most teams have given their players a holiday with the proviso that they will train on their own followed by a mini-preseason on their return at the club’s usual training ground.

Other teams have decided to get away for warm-weather training with Dubai being a popular destination.

Best laid plans…

Sometimes the best-laid plans don’t always come to fruition. Tottenham, Southampton, and Newcastle have all canceled their warm-weather getaway because of the 4th Round FA Cup replays.

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has decided to honor the club's plans for their first-team squad. Liverpool will play their U23’s against Shrewsbury during the 4th round replay at Anfield. A decision that has caused some controversy. The value of the FA Cup has once again been brought into question. All 5th round games have been moved to midweek with games being decided on the night from that stage onwards. Maybe in future seasons, this policy will be introduced around earlier?

Who’s playing where and when?

Saturday 8th February
Everton vs Crystal Palace (12:30)
Brighton Hove Albion vs Watford (17:30)
 
Sunday 9th February 
Sheffield United vs Bournemouth (14:00)
Manchester City vs West Ham United (16:30)
 
Friday 14 February 
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leicester City (20:00)
 
Saturday 15 February
Southampton vs Burnley (12:30)
Norwich City vs Liverpool (17:30)
 
Sunday 16 February 
Sheffield United vs Bournemouth (14:00)
Manchester City vs West Ham United (16:30)
 
Monday 17 February 
Chelsea vs Manchester United (20:00)