The Premier League is one of the only leagues in the world that doesn’t have a break for the festive season.
Instead, the English league takes it upon itself to cram in as many fixtures as they can over Christmas and New Year. It’s become something of a tradition, sitting down to watch the Premier League on Boxing Day, and I’m sure the TV channels make a killing.
However, for the players, it can be a little more difficult since they not only have to learn to adapt to playing over the cold festive period, but they have to play even more!
Gabriel, for one, describes it as an unusual tradition.
“Brazilians are used to celebrating the festive season, it is strange,” he said.
“It feels a bit strange to be playing on Christmas Day or on New Year’s Day.
“It’s indeed unusual for us. But I’ve already put this new reality in my head and I’m focused on my job. Let’s leave the party for later.”
The Brazilian better get used to the idea, since he’s most likely going to feature heavily over the next few weeks. Shkodran Mustafi is out for at least three weeks with a hamstring injury and with Per Mertesacker also out until next year, the 26-year-old is being relied heavily.