Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has hit out at his sides fixture congestion over the festive period, suggesting that there is a conspiracy against the Blues.

It is not the first time that Conte has bemoaned the schedule of Premier League games, and with his side sitting 11 points behind leaders Manchester City, it is understandable why the Italian is perhaps a little heated over the situation.

With Chelsea’s game against Newcastle this weekend after already playing in midweek, Conte was outraged and hinted towards a possible conspiracy.

“It’s difficult to think it’s a coincidence. This is the fourth time. If someone wants to joke with me I’m not the right person to joke with,” said Conte.

“Once it can happen. Twice it can happen. The third time, you start to be perplexed. In only 14 games [it has happened] four times.

“Every team has this type of situation. But from start of the season, I don’t know, I see only Chelsea to have this type of situation.

“I don’t want advantages. If we have to play every two days, I’m ready. But we need to have the same rest as our opponents, then we see what happens.

“Is it difficult to do this? I don’t think so. It is a strange coincidence.”
[Quotes via BBC Sport]

Many teams in the Premier League find themselves with a congested fixture list, but perhaps Conte is starting to feel the pressure over his side’s league position.