I actually encouraged the players to go and get some sun. "They have been at it non-stop for 18 months, sometimes the best way to rejuvenate yourself, the best way to be fit and fresh, is to switch off and take time. "I know people will maybe question it if we don't win games after that, but in the moment I feel it was the right thing for the players considering the workload they've had." On if he's seen a good reaction after their time off: "Yeah, I think they want more days off, so training has been good for the last two days. "Regardless of that, since I've been in their level of engagement, intensity in training and what they're giving me has been consistently excellent, and it needs to continue that way for us to be successful."

Source: BBC February 19, 2026 14:28 UTC