Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has bemoaned the derision in which the English FA treat the Champions League, saying Premier League clubs will struggle as a result.
The 53-year-old pointed to the rigid nature of fixturing in England, and suggested that teams with an important European fixture could be afforded the Friday night fixture prior, to best prepare once injuries and fatigue become a major factor.
“The institutions do not give you that little protection which can be crucial – 24 hours more, 48 hours more, to rest and prepare,” Mourinho told Sportsmail.
“Now you have a Friday night fixture, so if an English club is in an [important] Champions League [game] on a Tuesday I’d expect that they would be given the Friday fixture, to have one more day to rest. But I don’t know because until now nobody has had that protection.”
“The Premier League and the internal competitions create a very difficult situation for the clubs.”
While it is looked at as a major badge of honour for other nations to have their best clubs in European competition, there is a perception amongst English clubs that the Football Association (FA) value the domestic league in a far greater light.
“Other countries care a lot about the Champions League.”
“In this country the Premier League will always come in front. The institutions that lead the competitions make it very clear.”
Mourinho’s Manchester United are in Holland ahead of Thursday night’s clash with Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
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