Winter break upsets Stuttgart's Babbel

Dubai: Stuttgart would have preferred to continue their high-flying start to the Bundesliga season without a winter break.

That's the view of midfield schemer Thomas Hitzlsperger and stopper Markus Babbel, both of whom enjoyed distinguished periods in English football which plays throughout Christmas and the new year.

After an off-the-pace Stuttgart lost 2-1 to the UAE former Aston Villa man Hitzlsperger said: "It's difficult to say whether the break is good.

"Sometimes it's good to play through, it's nice to keep playing and I remember the atmosphere was great in games at that time of year. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to come to a fantastic place like Dubai but it does stop-start the season."

Veteran former Germany, Liverpool and Blackburn defender Babbel, 34, agreed with his team-mate and revealed he is likely to retire at the end of the season. He said: "I prefer to play straight through or have a break of 10 days because now it's like we have two pre-seasons and it's hard work. It's probably the last season for me but I've had a good time, playing for 16 years professionally.

"I will stay on in the game it's the only thing I know. I have played for clubs like Bayern Munich and can use my experience to help younger players."

Winter break upsets Stuttgart's Babbel

'I prefer to play straight through. Now it's like we have two pre-seasons and it's hard work'