'THE ENGLISH LEAGUE IS VERY FIERCE'

Last updated : 18 October 2005 By Ed

"The English league is very fierce.

"We have eight games in December and that makes it very difficult for us.

"In some countries like Portugal and France, teams get help by being allowed to play on Friday nights. It is difficult to do that in England.

He added: "At this time of year you play two games a week nearly every week and you also have the internationals.

"There is not much leeway for moving fixtures in our country.

"You have more chance of winning the Champions League if you are fresh rather than having battled through the Premiership, then need to try and win a quarter-final, semi-final and final."