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?