Ruaidhrí Higgins has called on the league season to be extended as the Derry manager believes that teams competing in Europe are being punished by the summer schedule.
Higgins said that there is no reason why the campaign could not be extended by a week or two, or else do away with the mid-season break.
Speaking after his side's narrow 1-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers in the top-of-the-table clash and with another trip to Dublin to come on Friday against Shelbourne, Higgins said: "To go three games in a week before the break and go two weeks without a game and then three games in a week after the break, it’s a lot.
"So either don’t give a break or extend the season, because the teams in Europe get punished."
Higgins was disappointed that his side left the capital empty handed as Rory Gaffney’s goal decided the game, and the Candystripes boss was happy with how his team came to Tallaght Stadium to take on the reigning champions and league leaders.
"It felt for the majority of the game we controlled it, we had a lot of the ball and possession," said Higgins, speaking to RTÉ Sport after the game.
"But I was slightly disappointed when we got into the final third with our final cross or final pass. I felt we deserved a bit more than we got."
Higgins, however, was attempting to remain upbeat in relation to the title race as his side now trail the Hoops at the top of the table by seven points with 13 games remaining.
"It’s really disappointing to lose the game, but there is still 39 points to fight for.
"We have the capacity and capabilities to go on a really decent run… we just lacked that cutting edge tonight, and it’s disappointing to leave here empty handed."
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley had plenty to be pleased about and said: "Off the back of the Dublin derby we wanted to go and get the three points and we've done that."
Rovers have a number of big games on the horizon domestically and in European competition, but Bradley is relishing the challenge.
"That's what the second half of the season is about at this club - big games.
"This is what we want, this is what we gear up for. We'll recover tonight and get ready for Dundalk on Friday."
Neil Farrugia and Jack Byrne both departed before the end of the game after picking up knocks, but the Rovers manager is cautiously optimistic on their injury status, who also heaped praise on goalscorer Rory. Gaffney
"He was brilliant tonight. Off the back of Friday, up there on his own, he gave us a shift on Friday and tonight he was really, really clever in his play.
"He caused them real problems and scored a really good goal, but I think his overall play tonight was very, very good."
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