Conte to rest his top scorer
new year schedule, he believes the absence of a mid-winter break is a handicap to English clubs.
As United prepared for their return to the competition against Basle at Old Trafford, Mourinho said: “The only thing I can say is that last season Real Madrid played the last month in La Liga with their second team.
“They could do it. They arrived in the Champions League with a fresh team.
“And because they were champions in Italy three months in advance, Juve could play the last month with their second team and arrive fresh for the quarterfinals, semi-finals and final of the Champions League. For English sides normally that’s impossible because the Premier League goes strong until the end.
“In other countries there’s a winter break but that’s cultural. It means a lot here.
“I know it goes against us but I have to admit I love the English Christmas period of football.
“Then there is the fact we have to play many times two days before the big matches in Europe when other counties protect their clubs. Benfica play on Fridays in Portugal, in Italy they also do that, and sometimes it happens in France and Germany.”
Conte, too, admits there is no room to breathe as he tackles the Champions League alongside the demands of the Premier League.
With a domestic clash with Arsenal looming on Sunday, Conte is considering dramatic changes to his team for tonight’s Champions League opener against Qarabag.
Eden Hazard and top scorer Alvaro Morata could be on the bench.
Conte said: “For me, this is something new. My previous experience of the Champions League was in Italy. To be realistic, this is not easy.
“English teams have difficulty in the Champions League because the league is very tough here. You play a medium team in England in the league, you can lose. There are six or seven teams in this league fighting for the title. You are never relaxed in England.
“You have to play a tough league and then two cups. To play 60-65 games at a high level is normal here.
“In Italy, before Champions League games I rested players. In England it is very difficult. You risk a lot. But we must rotate all the squad and when you do that there is a risk.
“If you win, it was the best decision, if you lose, it was the worst. I must be realistic and calm and try to make the best decision for these six games. To play every three days is not easy.”