Conte slams FA’s ‘harsh’ schedule
TOTTENHAM HAVE CRUCIAL ADVANTAGE Blues play again tomorrow – Spurs rest until Wednesday.
Antonio Conte claims Chelsea have been harshly treated by the Premier League fi xture planners as the leaders try to survive a “crucial week” in the title race.
Conte’s side beat Tottenham 4-2 in a thrilling FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday to book a final date with Arsenal or Manchester City.
The Blues were under the cosh for long periods, but Willian’s brace and superb late goals from Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic ensured Chelsea remain on course for the double.
To achieve that lofty ambition, Chelsea need to crush Tottenham’s dreams again as the north Londoners are just four points behind in the title race.
But Conte fears Chelsea’s chances of holding off Tottenham have been hindered by the way the fi xtures fall this week.
Tomorrow, Chelsea host Southampton, who will be refreshed after 10 days rest, while Tottenham have an extra day to recover before travelling to Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Conte tried to plan ahead for the midweek schedule by leaving Hazard and Diego Costa on the bench for the first hour.
He is concerned Mauricio Pochettino’s team will be able to make their extra rest pay off.
“This week is crucial for us because in this week Tottenham have the advantage,” Conte said.
“We have only two days to rest and recover. Southampton is a very tough game and we know Tottenham want to fight until the end to fight for the title.”
Asked if he was concerned about the potential damage to Chelsea’s morale if his selection gamble had backfired on Saturday, Conte said: “You have to take this responsibility.
“You must involve the players in your plan, and take this risk.
“You hope the decision is good. It’s not easy to decide to start without two really important players.”
Spurs’ latest failure on the big occasion raised renewed questions about a talented team’s ability to turn their huge potential into silverware.
“I can’t change the past. I know the history but I believe this is an exciting team,” Pochettino said.
“Two years ago it was difficult to imagine we could fight for the Premier League but it is a reality.”
Pochettino did his best to accentuate the positives.
“It’s difficult to explain. We were unlucky. I feel proud of my players,” he said. – AFP