Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin admits he did not want a World Cup winter break as his squad are in a good place “mentally and physically”.
The Premiership is in week two of a five-week shut-down due to the ongoing tournament in Qatar.
Goodwin says the “strange timing” of a winter World Cup is not ideal as his team were building momentum.
Aberdeen went into the Scottish top-flight freeze holding third spot in the Premiership.
The extended break also offers the time-frame for Hearts, rivals in the battle for third place, to alleviate their injury problems.
Goodwin believes a two-week break in January, which has been in place in previous seasons, would have been the ideal scenario.
Although he is against the current break, Goodwin is determined the Reds will emerge from the shutdown ready for a tilt at third spot and League Cup glory.
Goodwin said: “From our point of view, we wish the World Cup break wasn’t happening because we are in a good place at the moment mentally and physically.
“We do not have a great deal of injuries.
“I think if you speak to Robbie Neilson (Hearts manager), he would be delighted about the break because he still has probably half a dozen players out injured.
“So it can work for you or against you.
“It is very strange for everyone to play 15 league games and then have such a lengthy break.
“It’s not ideal.
“Personally, I would have loved to have played right up to January and then maybe have a two-week break to recharge the batteries.
“But it is what it is and we will take advantage of the time, that’s for sure.”
Dons players on international duty
Aberdeen went into the winter shut-down following a 1-0 defeat of Dundee United to take control of third spot.
The Reds also have a League Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden on Sunday January 15 to look forward to.
Goodwin utilised the break by taking his squad to the United States for a training camp last week.
Five Aberdeen players were excused from the USA camp due to international commitments.
Summer signings Bojan Miovski (North Macedonia), Ylber Ramadani (Albania) and Liam Scales (Republic of Ireland) were all away with their countries.
Also on international duty were Connor Barron (Scotland U21s) and Ryan Duncan (Scotland U19s).
A stunning Leighton Clarkson volley secured a 1-0 friendly win over an Atlanta United XI at the MLS club’s $60 million training complex.
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Leighton Clarkson with todays brilliant winner. pic.twitter.com/LSQfN4kKqn
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) November 16, 2022
Ramifications of a winter World Cup
Aberdeen return to action when facing Premiership leaders Celtic at Pittodrie on Saturday December 17.
They then host second-placed Rangers on Tuesday December 20 to complete a blockbuster home double-header.
Goodwin believes the timing of the winter shutdown will have ramifications for clubs world-wide long after the World Cup concludes.
He said: “It is certainly strange timing for a World Cup.
“I would far prefer these major tournaments to be taking place during the summer.
“I’m pretty sure all the players involved in the World Cup would prefer that, too.
“There’s a number of top players people would have looked forward to seeing at the World Cup that won’t make it due to injuries picked up.
“It is going to be a real challenge for all of those big clubs with players involved in the tournament.
“Especially the ones with the countries you would expect to go far in the competition. Because they don’t have a huge break after the World Cup either.
“It is going to be demanding physically for all those players.
“From our own perspective, it is not ideal.
“I would much rather it was in the summer, but we accept what is happening.”
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