Mauricio Pochettino, manager of Chelsea, has called the Premier League schedule “unfair” and revealed that his players will be compelled to train on Christmas Day. The only team in action today (Christmas Eve) is the Blues, who face Wolves at Molineux (1pm kick-off).

Their festive itinerary also includes a game away to Crystal Palace on Wednesday (7.30pm). In contrast to the Blues, the Eagles will have had nearly a full week off between their two games.

Chelsea’s two games are within 78 hours of each other, therefore Pochettino will bring his players to Cobham on Christmas Day. “We cannot stop because we have another game on the 27th against Crystal Palace,” the Argentine stated when asked if he would give his players time off to spend with their families.

“I’m not going to complain, but Palace played against Brighton on Thursday.” We’ll play on the 24th and then train on Monday. We can’t stop because the athletes need to understand that recovery time is limited.”

Chelsea return to action next Saturday (December 30th) at 12.30pm at Kenilworth Road against Luton Town after two fast wins over Wolves and Palace. “I think the problem is the difference between the teams,” Pochettino remarked.

“If we all play 24th and all of us play 27th, we are in the same situation.” I’m not going to complain about the disparity in recovery, but the organization should be better because it’s not fair.

“It’s not an excuse or to open the umbrella before the rain but they are the facts and the reality.” Back in October, the Blues manager said that he felt the frustrations of Chelsea fans on their Christmas Eve trip to Wolverhampton.

That’s because yesterday (the 23rd) was his 31st wedding anniversary, and the 24th is “a really important night” for Argentinians, who celebrate Christmas a day earlier than English people.