Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is full of admiration for footballers in England because of their commitment over the festive season, reports Sky Sports. And while many of the top European leagues are on a winter break, Mourinho is relishing the challenge, although he concedes he is facing a testing period.
"It's very difficult," said Mourinho, ahead of Friday's match with West Ham.
"I have lots of respect for the players in this country. It doesn't matter - English or not English. The moment you are a football player in this country, I respect you a lot.
"At this moment the German guys are on the beach, the Spanish guys are in the Maldives getting sun - everybody else is doing that.
"But in this country you play on the 22nd, you play on Boxing Day, you play on the 28th, you play on New Year's Day. There is no Christmas - just football, and I think (the players) deserve respect.
"The supporters all around the country give them that respect because every stadium is sold-out. And I think the way to do it is with the kind of professionalism my players have shown."
