Louis van Gaal blames 'evil' Premier League schedule for England's struggles

­­­Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal believes the Premier League schedule doesn't give English clubs or the national team the best chance to succeed.

His biggest grievance is with the lack of a winter break.

"There is no winter break and I think that is the most evil thing of this culture," Van Gaal told reporters. "It is not good for English football, it is not good for the clubs or the national team and I think you should change it."

United is coming off a long trip to and from Russia, where it picked up a point in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against CSKA Moscow. Van Gaal's side has little time to recover for Sunday's derby against Manchester City, giving him yet another reason to condemn the Premier League calendar set-up.

Related: Manchester United holds on to secure point against CSKA Moscow

"It is harder these days. The Premier League is the most difficult league to win because of the high level of the teams and you cannot beat a team easily," Van Gaal said. "It is a rat race and then you have to play in the European Cup.

"It is not so easy and that is why English teams over the last few years have not won the Champions League because of the difference in the leagues."

England is the only major league to play through December and January, with Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga all observing at least a couple weeks off.

Van Gaal's comments add to growing fears over the potential loss of the Premier League's fourth Champions League spot.

Related: UEFA's club coefficients rankings spell potential trouble for English sides

The gap between England and Italy is shrinking, and recent results in European competition haven't helped. Arsenal and City were the only English sides to win in either the Champions League or Europa League this week.