As Celtic work their way through a heavy festive fixture schedule, usually at this time of year, a lengthy winter break isn’t too far away. This season, though, action in Scotland is set to continue early into the new year, with games throughout January.
Last season, the Hoops played their last game before the break on January 2. This time around, however, they have nine games alone next month, compared to just three in January this year.
There will be significant demand put on Brendan Rodgers’ squad as Celtic look to compete both domestically and in Europe.
The manager, though, has admitted his players aren’t robots, and there will be a natural drop off in intensity in some games; that was no more evident than at Tannadice on Sunday.
A winter break would benefit teams in the long run, but there isn’t one this campaign. ‘Why?’ I hear you cry.
European Expansion Means Less of a Break
The expansion of the UEFA Champions and Europa Leagues this season is a key factor behind there being no winter break in Scotland (RecordSport).
The league phases of both new-look competitions run until the end of January, with Celtic and their city rivals Rangers each having two European games to contend with next month.
The continental alterations put more pressure on the domestic fixture calendar, especially if games are delayed or cancelled due to weather.
That is why the SFA opted for no mid-season break this season, which, for Celtic, given their heavy schedule, is a considerable disappointment.
