Friday 23 October 2015

"evil" Premier League schedule the cause of Manchester United's struggle on the European stage, says Van Gaal


Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal blames the "evil" Premier League schedule for English football's struggles on the European stage.

Van Gaal's men narrowly escaped a loss to CSKA Moscow in their third Champions League group stage game on Wednesday.



Despite unprecedented riches and squads filled with international stars, Premier League teams have struggled recently in the competition, and the Dutchman believes the fixture list is at fault for their -- and England's -- underachievement abroad.

"There is no winter break and I think that is the most evil thing of this culture," said Van Gaal on Thursday.

"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."

Van Gaal was not all pessimism, however, admitting he does think it possible for an English club to win a league and Champions League double. But it won't be easy.

"It is always possible. I have done that [with Ajax] but I also lost when we were champions in Germany, when we lost the Champions League final," Van Gaal continued.

"It is harder these days. The Premier League is the most difficult league to win, because of the high level of the teams.

"You cannot beat a team easily. Every team is a challenge. It is a rat race, and then you have to play in the European Cup.

"It's not so easy, and that is why English teams over the last few years have not won the Champions League, because of the difference in the leagues."

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