Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes the Premier League needs to fall in line with the other major European leagues and adopt a winter break in January.
Speaking from United's training camp in Doha, Ferguson said Tuesday that players struggle to play three games in eight days as the pitches get heavier in winter and are also unable to get over any lingering injuries.
"My experience tells me that when you get to December, it is draining for players to continuously play matches every Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Wednesday," Ferguson said. "It is difficult to play football through heavier grounds in cold weather. By December, everybody needs a break.
"With a break in January, you can repair the small injuries the players pick up. Even the coaches need a mental break."
Ferguson suggested matches be played throughout May to allow a break, arguing that players are often used to competing in June on international duty.
"Why don't we use the whole of May to make up for the loss of matches that are held in January? This idea is supported by all manager in England but never been considered," Ferguson said.
The 68-year-old Scot also said he still has the motivation to manage despite having won 11 Premier League, five FA Cup and two Champions League titles among others since joining Man United in 1986.
"When you are a football manager, and when you reach my age, you need good health," he said. "But criticism and speculation of sorts can derail a manager's ambition. I know expectations are always high at my club. So I have to be on the top of my game.
"I am at the right club, at a great club. So, it is easy to be motivated for such a long period of time. My energy is there."
