Antonio Conte defends himself from accusations he overworks his Chelsea players
The Italian has another selection issue at Watford as he faces another game without a fit striker due to Alvaro Morata’s absence and the fact new signing Olivier Giroud isn’t yet ready
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Your support makes all the difference.Antonio Conte has defended himself from accusations of over-working his players, pointing to Chelsea’s relatively low number of injuries.
The Italian has another selection issue at Watford on Monday as he faces another game without a fit striker due to Alvaro Morata’s absence and the fact new signing Olivier Giroud isn’t yet ready.
Conte said that just illustrates the squad isn’t big enough for the number of fixtures they have had, and that he has changed his training plans.
Chelsea currently have four players out, and only eight of the 19 other clubs have more absentees.
“If you compare to the other clubs, we have fewer injuries,” Conte argued. “The only problem is that, this season, we are playing a lot and our squad wasn't big enough to give them the right rest. We are working less, less than last season. A lot less.
“But for sure you have to change your plan, your work. When you play every three days, it's impossible to give intensity in these two days between one game and another. Sometimes, when I had the possibility, I tried to give the opportunity... a little window of work for the players I decided to rest.
“But, in this country, with a lot of competitions... four competitions, and with the intensity of every game, you have to face a season with a big squad. This is very, very important. Very important. I think it's very important to try to understand and find the best solution for the future.”
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