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Jose Mourinho has criticised the English Premier league for not doing enough to protect their teams and has hinted that this may be the reason behing the poor performances that have plagued English teams in the Champions League in recent years.

The Manchester United manager made these comments ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League fixture against FC Basel.

Since Chelsea last lifted the trophy in 2012, English teams have only progressed beyond the last 16 four times.

"The only thing I can say is that Real Madrid last year played the last month in LaLiga with the second team," he said. "They could do it and they arrived at the Champions League final with a fresh team.

"Juventus were champions in Italy three months in advance and could arrive fresh for the quarter-finals, semi-finals, final. "For English teams, normally, that's impossible. There's no winter break, like in other countries, although I have to admit that I love the Christmas period in English football.

"Other countries protect their clubs. For example, Benfica played Friday. We always did that in Portugal and Italy. Paris Saint-Germain played Friday. That happens all the time.

"But no complaining. We have a squad, if you see the players are tired then you have to play others."Mourinho admits United are perhaps not at the level of certain elite Champions League sides given that they have only qualified for the tournament twice in the last four years.