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With Spain, Italy and Germany enjoying a Christmas and New Year rest, English clubs face the prospect of four games in a 10-day period which could play a major role in the destination of the title.

Sunday’s Boxing Day programme marks the start of the gruelling schedule.
“In England, Boxing Day is very important game,” said Mancini. “But maybe English players need a rest sometimes.

“It might not be Boxing Day but maybe in January you could have a week off for all the players. That would be a good opportunity for them.”
Mancini’s fellow Italian Roberto Di Matteo, who coaches West Brom, has backed the Eastlands manager.

“We’re not living in the Middle East or Africa. We live in England, in Northern Europe, so let’s have a winter break,” said Di Matteo.

“Every year it snows, the pitches are frozen, training pitches are frozen, it’s not safe for supporters, so let’s have a break.

“This weather we are having now shouldn’t be out of the blue because geographically it’s where we are and the chances of it happening are high.
“In March we have two games. Can we not put another game in there, even though it’s an international break?

“Why not put one or two at the end of May when the pitches are beautiful and people will flock to the stadium.
“I know of the Boxing Day tradition but you will still get packed stadia later in the year because it’s a better climate and people will enjoy it more.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti slammed the Premier League fixture planners as his side prepare to play twice in three days over Christmas.-AFP