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| NO PLAY ONLY FUN |
"No thinking about football" was the Christmas message from Ancelotti to his players. And there were no restrictions to avoid becoming unfit and no dietary advice to avoid putting weight on.
The manager wants them to switch off, enjoy themselves and rest. To feel free to recharge their batteries any way they want, and do what they like. There'll be time enough when they come back to reconnect with the club dynamic.
Ancelotti knows well that his side have reached the Christmas break stretched to the limit, that the players have been putting in a terrific effort ever since August. On 12th August they won their first title of the season and on 20th December they finished another competition with a win.
Over the last few weeks, injuries have meant that Ancelotti has had to squeeze every ounce out of his players. There have been lots of games and not many chances to spread out the effort needed. In this holiday week, then, before training recommences on 27th December, Ancelotti wants his players to switch off as much as possible.
After they start up again, January will be non-stop and Ancelotti is not going to do what he has told his players to do. He will not switch off completely. League games will be interspersed with cup games and good planning is going to be vital.
"There are people who see holidays as a time for resting. Others never stop eating and drinking. They'll probably come back here slightly different", was Mourinho's comment after the Christmas break. That won't be happening now, but Carlo trusts them and wants them to enjoy themselves.
