Conte angry with Premier League fixture schedulers

Head coach Antonio Conte believes Chelsea have been “penalised” by the Premier League fixture schedulers who have granted his side just one full day’s preparation for Saturday’s clash with Manchester City.

Chelsea claimed a last-gasp 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night to top Champions League Group C with two wins from two games.

The Premier League champions play City at 1730BST on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side beat Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, while Chelsea are expected to return to London at around 0400BST on Thursday morning following their post-match flight from Madrid.

“In this case I think we are a bit penalised,” Conte said.

“To have only one day to prepare for this type of game is not right.

“Honestly I’m very surprised to see that this big game we have to play on Saturday, not on Sunday. I don’t understand why.”

Conte says the international break which follows the City contest means it was less necessary for the game to be played on Saturday.

“There is the international break. It’s very difficult to understand,” Conte added.

The Italian insisted Chelsea would be ready, but he may delay selecting his team until Saturday afternoon.

“Maybe I’ll wait until one hour, two hours before playing,” Conte added.

“This type of game (against Atletico) you use a lot of physical and mental energy. I want to speak with everyone and then to make the best decision.

“(But) to play a big game is better because we can keep the concentration very high.”