Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has blasted ‘moaning’ players ahead of the busy Christmas schedule.
While most of Europe’s top leagues shut down over the festive period, it remains a popular part of any season for football fans in England and Scotland.
And Pulis believes footballers should stop complaining about playing three games in such a short spell because of the great lifestyles they enjoy.
He told the Daily Star: “You hear some of them moaning about playing three games in 10 days or whatever, but what's there to grumble about?
“If they can't manage that, then we should close it all down, lock it all up and go and do something else.
“I've always thought playing games and people going to watch was a great thing to do for all concerned.
“We're in the entertainment business. People are off work and they love it.”
He added: “We spend more time on proper recovery programmes for players these days than ever.
“Players are pampered in many ways. I love Christmas - I really enjoy it, the games and everything.
“People say I'm old-fashioned, but I'd prefer to describe that as being traditional.”