Antonio Conte believes there is a conspiracy against Chelsea in another attack on Premier League scheduling.
Conte often questions the scheduling of Premier League games and the disparity in rest time between his side and their opponents.
Chelsea played Liverpool at Anfield three days after a Champions League trip to Qarabag and today take on Newcastle, who have had an extra day rest over the Blues.
‘Honestly, it is very difficult to think this is a coincidence,’ said Conte. ‘Once it can happen. Twice it can happen. Then you start to be perplexed. ‘The Qarabag situation was incredible. And I must be honest, it has happened again. Newcastle played on Tuesday, we played on Wednesday and now we play on Saturday at 12.30.
‘It is a strange coincidence. Only 14 games and it has happened four times. I don’t want advantages. I want the same rest as our opponents. Is it difficult to do this? I don’t think so. ‘I want respect for my job, for my club, for the players, for the fans. I’m not stupid, if someone wants to joke with me I am not the right person to joke with.’
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for Chelsea – next week they take on Atletico Madrid in Europe before yet another early kick-off with West Ham, who will have had a whole week off in-between those fixtures.
‘Every team can have this situation,’ Conte added. ‘I don’t know but, from the start of the season, I see only Chelsea. ‘I spoke with my club and I hope they do something about the situation. I am trying to protect my club, my players, my fans and maybe the Premier League.’
What do you think? is he right?
