Liverpool are steamrolling all before them at the minute. The Reds securing their first league title in 30 years is all but done and dusted, they are also on course to retain the Champions League. Thanks to the new Premier League winter break Liverpool could have a boost heading into the Champions League knockout rounds.
The Premier League winter break could give Liverpool a Champions League boost. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
This is the first season that the Premier League has enforced a winter break.
Previously, clubs would face up to the gruelling festive schedule and just power on through to the end of the season.
Meanwhile, other major leagues across Europe would rest up for a fortnight or so around December and January.
At the minute clubs across the English top flight are at rest, with a division wide spell off.
This new Premier League winter break could give Liverpool a boost in the Champions League.
The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus have always been heading into the latter stages of the Champions League with their players rejuvenated and unfatigued.
At the same time the Premier League has been sending teams into these knockout rounds with their squads dead on their feet after playing a game every few days throughout December.
Now that The Reds have been granted the same respete that is afforded their continental rivals, Jürgen Klopp’s side can enter their tie with Atletico in perfect physical shape.
No longer will the giants of the continent have that extra yard on us during a midweek fixture, we are now on an equal playing field with our biggest rivals for the biggest prize.
This new Premier League winter break could be a turning point for English sides in Europe, how many of the division’s clubs progress to the next round should give us an indication of how effective this rest has been.