Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has hit out at reports this week that suggest his players have complained about their training sessions.

It’s been a tough week for all involved at Chelsea, particularly for the boss who has seen his side lose against bottom of the table Crystal Palace in embarrassing style.

It had been reported that Conte is to blame for his side’s injury crisis at the moment, with his training methods too intense and unpopular among players.

However, the Italian has hit out at those claims, saying his team are working less hard than they did during the previous campaign – pointing to a congested fixture list as a key issue.

“I have my methods, its the same as last season when we won the league,” said Conte.

“Honestly, I think we are working 70 per cent less than last season, maybe [it’s] for this reason we are having trouble.”

“The tactical and physical aspect… we are playing every three days, when you play every three days it’s impossible to work on tactical and physical aspect.”

“On the tactical aspect you have to work less and pay less attention to detail. Chelsea have not won in three games.”

“I think when you have to play four competitions this is the path you must follow, but it’s normal, when you play every game with the same players this is a big problem, in this way it’s impossible for these players.”

“The game is not training, its different, you can train only a part of the fitness, you can train only the metabolic part but you lose your strength for the game.”
[Quotes via Metro]