Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, will whatever happens always be held in high regard at Stamford Bridge, that goes without saying.
However, the former Blues boss looks to be trying his hardest to unsettle things at his old stomping ground, having hammered Antonio Conte’s side for having an easy schedule compared to his squad and those in the chasing pack.
The west London outfit, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season with Mourinho being sacked mid-season, have been without any European football this season, and have taken full advantage, pushing out in front and running away with the league title before we’ve even reached March.
Whilst the lack of European football has, of course, been a benefit to Conte and his staff, who will have been able to prepare in more detail than some others for each league game, whilst playing a settled side week in, week out, without having to chop and change from fatigue or injuries off the back of continental ties, they are more than prepared to go again next season, with the added problem of Champions League football.
The former Juventus and Italy boss is more than used to guiding a team through both European and domestic campaigns, however, his side’s readiness stems from more than just that.
There is incredible strength in depth within the Chelsea squad, as well as top notch youth talent hammering on the door of the first team and, as sides in domestic cup games have shown this season, the same ethos runs through the entire squad.
Whether they are the first name on the team sheet or more of an outsider to the eleven on a matchday, every player knows exactly what is needed of him in a match situation should they be called upon. This isn’t something that can just be switched on, it has been hammered into the players by Conte and his staff since day one.
Therefore, when it comes to fixture pileups, the Italian will be safe in the knowledge that he has done everything within his power to get his team through a packed schedule at times in the season. Of course, things will not always go their way, but keep things off the pitch, in terms of tactical training and preparation, then they will have a better chance at dealing with fixture congestion than many other Premier League sides.
Mourinho’s comments, then, may be true of this season, the Blues do have an easier ride, but a year from now Conte may well have just proved all the doubters wrong.