Sam Allardyce believes his new signings at Sunderland will benefit from a much needed break in their fixture list.
Allardyce signed four first team players in January and they have all featured heavily over the last few weeks.
Break in Dubai
After an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester United last weekend, Allardyce and his team set off for some warm weather training in Dubai. The aim is to make the most of a break in fixtures due to the FA cup and international break.
New additions Dame N'Doye, Wahbi Khazri, Lamine Kone and Jan Kirchhoff were all brought into Sunderland's set up last month and have quickly had to adapt to the English game.
All four players have been praised by supporters and pundits alike so far but Allardyce clearly believes the players have more to give once they have settled in.
Settling in
When asked about the trip away, Allardyce stated the break would give the players a 'good release' from an 'extremely difficult' start to careers on Wearside. The tolls of Sunderland's relegation battle is likely to have played on the minds of the new recruits even before they signed.
However, Allardyce did admit he believed the performances of his new signings had been 'very, very good' up to date.
A good break is key
The Black Cats will be hoping their decision to travel abroad for the break pays off as they face some tough tests once they return to the UK. The first test is Allardyce's former club West Ham before the visit of Crystal Palace just a few days later.
The win against Manchester United coupled with the fact that Newcastle United and Norwich City failed to beat their opponents last weekend has moved the club to within one point from safety with 12 games remaining.