Southampton's Ronald Koeman blasts "crazy" festive schedule

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says that it is "impossible" to cope with the limited rest time between fixtures during the Christmas period.

The Saints, who are currently second in the Premier League table, will play Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Arsenal within a week during the festive schedule.

"We have to play December 26 and then again on the 28th, January 1 and then January 3 for the FA Cup - it's crazy," FourFourTwo quotes Koeman as saying.

"It's not crazy to play at Christmas because I understand - we had that in Holland and the people like that. I'd like that as well if I like football and support Southampton. I can have my Christmas meal then go to the stadium and watch Southampton, I am happy.

"The problem is you have one day off between two games and that's crazy, that's impossible. That's my problem with the schedule because if it's the 26th and the 29th, no problem, but it's Friday and Sunday. That's crazy, one day off, crazy."

Southampton, who will go up against Aston Villa tonight, have won eight, drawn one and lost two of their 11 league fixtures.