Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill: Winter break is important
Martin O'Neill has backed Fabio Capello's call for a winter break in the Premier League, claiming such a move would be a "fantastic thing".[LNB] Capello felt tiredness was a major factor in England's disappointing World Cup campaign and believes the players would have benefited from a spell of non-action in mid-season.[LNB]Aston Villa boss O'Neill has first hand experience of the benefits of a break from his time at Celtic and would welcome the same situation in this country.[LNB]He said: "My own view is there should be a winter break. I think it would be a fantastic thing.[LNB]"I believe it would give everyone a lift in January.[LNB]"We had it for a couple of years in the Scottish Premier League and we all got great benefit from it.[LNB]"I am a great believer in it and I think it is important. But I am not controlling affairs."[LNB]O'Neill added: "People assume it causes a loss of impetus but that's absolutely not the case.[LNB]"You would still have Boxing Day and New Year games and then you have the break - for about three weeks.[LNB]"It gives the players a chance to get away with their families. They feel much better for it. It was so beneficial.[LNB]"One of the years when we had the break in Scotland, Celtic went on to reach the UEFA Cup final.[LNB]"I genuinely believe the winter break was of great benefit for us."
