Antonio Conte has explained it is because English teams do not have the luxury of fixture adjustments other leagues give their clubs, that the top Premier League teams fail to make the grade in the Champions League.
Chelsea are currently suffering fixture congestion, having to travel to Azerbaijan to honor their Champions League clash with Qarabag, and facing Liverpool on Saturday at Anfield with only day to train.
The situation will mean Chelsea will not have enough time to prepare for their crucial Premier League clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side, a situation the Blues have faced earlier this season when they had a day to prepare for the game against Manchester City.
They lost that game at Stamford Bridge, which Conte blames on the fixture congestion that the English football handlers are doing nothing about. The Italian believes it’s one major reason why English clubs play poorly in the European competition.
“It will be very difficult for us to recover, to rest. Whoever prepared the fixtures for the league must pay great attention. Sometimes I think it’s right to give respect for our job.
At this moment, England needs to try to understand this (issue) and change something. For a lot of time, there isn’t an English team playing a final in the Champions League. Why? The teams are very strong, and every team has the possibility to go through to the path to the Champions League (final).
Whoever prepares the fixtures must try to change something. I think this is the best way for English football.”
Antonio Conte, Daily Mail
