Premier League: Will footballers train on Christmas Day?

Despite their obvious privilege, some footballers find it difficult to spend time away from loved ones on Christmas Day, admits Brown.

“I won’t lie, [training at Christmas] “Not feeling sorry for yourself is a psychological challenge,” he said.

“Sometimes you think about everyone [else] Have fun, but you have to think about how many people will share your position. You have to realize and think about what you are doing.”

However, it is not necessary for every player to report to work on Christmas Day. Teams that do not have a game scheduled on Boxing Day often give their teams the day off and practice on the 26th instead.

Brighton coach Fabian Horzler said he would give his players more time to spend with their families this year thanks to the oddity in the fixture schedule.

He said: “We stay in our normal rhythm, but I definitely try to give them more time to rest because it is family time and I believe that family is the most important thing in life.”

“I think it’s very important for their mental health, it’s very important for them to see their family and have a good time. That’s why I try to give them as much rest as possible. I think that’s all my responsibility. And then hopefully they come back stronger.”

Pep Guardiola warned his players not to become complacent and said they will be weighed when they return to training to ensure they are fit enough to play against Nottingham Forest on December 27.

“The moment they arrived three days later [off] I want to see how they come back. “They can eat but I want to control them,” the 54-year-old said on Saturday.

“Since my arrival, I have learned a lot from England [where you can] He added: “Take a day off, give them a day off.”

“The schedule is very tight and the players have to forget. The moment the match comes they will be fresh in their legs.”

Forest coach Sean Dyche is taking a different approach and telling his players to enjoy their day off.

“I wouldn’t mind them having Christmas dinner,” he said. “Sometimes the mood is as important as anything else. Within reason, you want them to enjoy Christmas Day.”