Chelsea news: Antonio Conte hits out at scheduling of Man City game - It’s not right

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte has slammed the Premier League for the scheduling of their game against Manchester City on Saturday (5:30pm).

Hazard praises Chelsea following victory against Atletico Madrid

Chelsea picked up a dramatic 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last night thanks to Michy Batshuayi’s stoppage-time goal. 

The Blues now find themselves two points clear of Roma at the top of Group C as they maintained their perfect start to life back in Europe’s elite competition. 

’s side arrived back in London at 4am this morning to begin preparations for their crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City. 

City also played in the Champions League this week, claiming a 2-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad on Tuesday. 

But Conte is not pleased with the scheduling of this fixture as Chelsea get 24 hours less preparation time compared to their rivals. 

Manchester City played yesterday at home, we played tonight away and for sure we will return to London around 4 o’clock. To have only one day to prepare this game is not right

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

“Now it’s very important to rest, to try to recover very well. We don’t have a lot of time because the game is on Saturday,” Conte said after the win over Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano. 

“Honestly, I think in this case we are a bit penalised and I think it is very important to take this decision to analyse the different situations of the teams.

“Manchester City played yesterday at home, we played tonight away and for sure we will return to London around 4 o’clock.

“To have only one day to prepare this game is not right. Now there is the international break. There aren’t other fixtures. I am very surprised to see this big game we have to play on Saturday. I don’t understand why.

“We want to be ready and have to face this game. Manchester City is a really strong team, they are winning and scoring a lot of goals, in a good moment of form.

Antonio ConteGETTY

Antonio Conte is not happy with the scheduling of Chelsea's game against Man City

“We have to try to rest and prepare this game because it’s very important in the league.

“To play a big game is better because the concentration we can keep very high, Manchester City is a very good team, one of the best in the league but I want to wait and check tomorrow and then also on Friday.

“I need to speak to my players to understand their physical condition. In this type of game you lose a lot of physical and mental energy. For this reason, I want to speak with everyone and then make the best decision.” 

have the chance to draw level on points with Pep Guardiola’s side on the weekend, which will put them firmly back in the title hunt after a slow start. 

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