Premier League scheduling of Tottenham's winter break uncool - Jose fumes

Tottenham Hotspur manager, José Mourinho, is clearly not happy with the scheduling of his club's winter break, claiming the timing is wrong.

After facing Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday, Spurs are due to clock off for two weeks after next Sunday's league game with Manchester City.

They will return to action against Aston Villa on February 16 - three days before their Champions League last-16 tie with RB Leipzig.

The winter break is split over two weekends, so Spurs in theory could have had their game with Villa on the weekend of February 8-9, giving them more time to prepare for their European fixture.

"It is what it is. I am not happy that the break comes in the wrong moment because the break should be before the Champions League," Mourinho complained.

"In the end before the Champions League we don't have the break. We have to play Aston Villa on the Sunday before playing Red Bull (Leipzig) two days later."

Things could be stiffer for Jose's men as they will have to play a replay on February 4or 5 if the draw against Southampton.

Mourinho is less concerned about that, adding: "We really don't care about the break really.

"If we have to play Southampton in a second match it means we are still alive in the competition and it is better than losing."

Spurs' only natural striking option is 17-year-old Troy Parrott who may be pivotal if he shines at Southampton as Harry Kane remains out with injury.

"He is ready to work with us every day like he is doing," the Portuguese added."He trains with the group, after training he has a special programme of individual development of his qualities as a striker and this club takes very good care of the players.

"That is the only thing I can say. If he has to play with us, he will.

"He will do his best, he will show his good qualities, he will show his fragilities because at this moment he is a 17-year-old kid with fragilities in his game.

"But in this moment I cannot tell you, it is possible he is selected for this game."