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Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says he is looking forward to experiencing the “crazy” Christmas period, when Premier League games come thick and fast.

The German tactician will take his side to Villa Park on Boxing Day and host Brighton Hove and Albion just before the turn of the year at Stamford Bridge.

This is the first time the former PSG manager will experience the magic of playing football over the festive period, while other leagues across the continent are on a break.

English football is famous for the games over Christmas, while players in Europe are spending time with loved ones, even if some coaches have raised concerns about fixture congestion.

Other managers like Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp have questioned the festive games, and even argue that it’s “killing” players, but Tuchel says he is looking forward to experiencing it for himself.

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian MBappe is cogratuled by Paris Saint-Germain's German head coach Thomas Tuchel (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

He said: “They are crazy here in the Premier League, while I was sitting on some beach enjoying the sun or a BBQ [over previous Christmases].

“But I also felt the excitement.

“I took the decision to go to the sun and enjoy some family time, even if it was only for one week and spend Christmas together.

“But on the 26th, we switched on the telly and I was sitting in front of the television, and no matter where I was, in whichever part of the world, everybody was watching and everybody was excited.

“Everybody was waiting for this game. This is special.

“Boxing Day is special and now we are in the middle of it.

“It will feel like at some point it will be exhausting, demanding, it will not always be good weather, but it’s the excitement of the Premier League.

“It’s a big part of the excitement. So I’m now in the middle of it. You need to ask me at the end of January how I’m feeling.”

Following intense pressure from managers, the Premier League introduced a mini winter break, observed between late January and early February, giving players and technical team a chance to take their foot off the pedal.

It is still very much up in the air if that will happen, this season given the disruption from Covid-19.

The issue of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar next year has also further stuffed an already packed schedule leaving little room for manoeuvre.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel looking forward to ‘crazy’ and ‘special’ Christmas Premier League schedule