Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he would "cry" if the Premier League opted to scrap the hectic schedule over the Christmas period.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal recently claimed that not having a winter break in England is "evil" and detrimental to the players.

However, Wenger believes that the festive schedule is part of tradition and should remain in place.

"I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal but I don't agree with him on that," Wenger told reporters in this morning's press conference. "Today I would cry if you change that because it is part of English tradition and football. On December 26, the whole of Europe comes to watch those games."

Arsenal are preparing to take on Everton at the Emirates on Saturday.