A two-three week break was the suggestion making its rounds in the Premier League after another couple of games got postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks in more than one camp.
First, the hugely anticipated Everton vs. Manchester City was suspended and then the London derby between Tottenham and Fulham. This begun the talks of Premier League officials thinking about having a “circuit break” in an attempt to ease the outbreak.
There have been three games thus far that have been postponed with all their rescheduling dates yet to be confirmed. Adding to the aforementioned fixture setback, the Premier League’s latest round of mass testing picked up 18 positive COVID cases.
This was cause for concern, however, EPL officials have come out saying no discussion over a break will take place and the COVID regulations instilled are good enough to ensure the safety of players and staff.
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"The Premier League is not discussing the possibility of a circuit break to halt the season amid a rise of coronavirus cases in the game.Premier League confirmed a season-high 18 coronavirus cases after latest round of testing; Tottenham’s match against Fulham on Wednesday latest to be called off.A statement released by the Premier League on Wednesday night read: “The Premier League has not discussed pausing the season and has no plans to do so.“The league continues to have confidence in its COVID-19 protocols to enable fixtures to be played as scheduled, and these protocols continue to have the full backing of government.“With the health of players and staff the priority, the league is also fully supportive of how clubs are implementing the protocols and rules.” (Via: Sky Sports)"
Only one manager is scared for his health
Of all the clubs, only one top-flight manager has aired his concerns for his health and safety. That manager is Sam Allardyce. Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was quite opposed to the struggling and relegation-threatened manager, claiming the show must go on.
Solskjaer believes if the Premier League was to be put on hold, they would struggle to wrap up outstanding fixtures in time for EURO 2021, with an already congested schedule. It would be near impossible to see a backed up league run conclude in time for the major international tournament.
Can we please get this two week circuit breaker thing off the table . The players would have to carry on mixing and training to be ready in 2 weeks for a match. They may get 4-5 days off. What is that going to do . Would have to be a long break to do anything meaningful!
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) December 30, 2020
What other motives has Sam got?
Any team fighting in the relegation battle would benefit from a break of about two-three weeks. A squad in fine fettle and fighting for a spot at the summit would not agree with Allardyce.
Having recently been appointed as West Brom manager, he needs time to implement his gameplan at the Hawthorns. He obviously wants to ensure that survival bonus of £2million is his at the end of the season so any bit of help would go a long, long way!
But the joke is on Big Sam, as no club has backed him in his pursuit of a “circuit break”, neither have the league’s decision makers, who have now made it clear the league will not go on lockdown.
Solskjaer’s ex-teammate and pundit Gary Neville is 100% behind him and shares similar views on a possible pause in fixtures. Adapt and survive!