Sunderland manager Gus Poyet admits he cannot figure out why English football does not take a rest after St Stephen's Day.

The Black Cats lost to Hull on the 26th, before drawing 0-0 with Aston Villa two days later.

Most of the rest of Europe are in the middle of a winter break.

Poyet said he understands that there are traditions to maintain, but he is sure he is not the only one thinking otherwise.

"If most of the people in football think that we don't have to stop, I'll go with it. Democracy, I will accept it. But now I'm hearing more than 90 per cent of people saying the opposite so I don't think I'm on the losing side," said the former Chelsea player.