Conte happy with Chelsea win, still unhappy with fixtures

Antonio Conte continued his rage against the Premier League fixture machine on Saturday, albeit a bit more subdued than his pregame criticism.

Chelsea went down early to Newcastle United, but rebounded largely on the electricity of Eden Hazard in a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

[ RECAP: Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle ]

He wasn’t happy with Chelsea’s slow start, but he feels that was more a product of the fixture list and not anything from his men.

From the BBC:

“Our start was a bit slow. We did well after only two days’ rest. It was a solid performance despite the goal. We showed good motivation and good intensity. I made rotations in the game and the response of my players was positive.

“I think that today, to play and win after two days of rest means a lot. Newcastle had the advantage with one day more of rest.”

The winter break or elimination of a cup isn’t going to happen any time soon, but it’s understandable that managers who’ve experienced a less congested schedule in Serie A or La Liga would have angst with the idea.

Follow @NicholasMendola