Premier League managers have questioned the use of drinks breaks during games, offering mixed views on the format of the league’s “Project Restart.”
England’s top division restarted the 2019-20 campaign on June 17 after a 100-day suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, rules were relaxed on number of substitutes being increased from three to five in the behind closed doors fixtures, which only allow a capacity of 300 people inside a stadium per game.
A one-minute drinks break per half was added to ease fatigue in higher temperatures,
However, managers such as Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and West Ham boss David Moyes don’t see the need for a drinks break.
“The managers use it to talk to players of course,” said Guardiola.
“I think we did it because of the lack of preparation for all of the teams – just three weeks before the start.”
“I don’t think it should have been introduced. It should have been at the referee’s discretion,” added Moyes.
“We have plenty of stoppages for injuries. I don’t think it’s a necessity and it’s a change of rules, and I don’t think we should be finishing the season in a different way to how we started it.”
Juergen Klopp of champions Liverpool disagrees and does not see the drinks break as a coaching advantage.
“It’s really good,” said the German. “It’s for the players not the coaches. I have 10 seconds to speak to them so it is not coaching.”
