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Agence France-Presse

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho claims the festive fixture schedule heavily favours his former club Chelsea, but believes there is no point approaching the Premier League to complain.
Mourinho was shocked to discover that Antonio Conte’s Premier League leaders will play their three seasonal games over 10 days, compared to eight days for United and Arsenal and seven for Liverpool.
Chelsea already benefit from not being involved in European football and Mourinho feels their kinder Christmas schedule gives them an additional advantage.
“Why? I don’t know either,” Mourinho said when asked if he could explain the inconsistency.

“I’m not speaking about Chelsea; it happened the same with Liverpool a couple of years ago and this year too. [But] a team not playing in European competitions has a big advantage for sure.
“If on top of that when there is a first possibility of congestion with fixtures, if in that period they don’t have it, obviously it makes a difference.
Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola brace for Premier League Boxing Day baptisms
“You don’t need to be a scientist to understand that to play with one day’s rest is different to playing with four days’ rest. It’s completely different.
“For me, the point is why? But over the years nobody really answered me because I had this also when I was in Chelsea.”

Mourinho was also pressed as to whether he, or United, have made representation to the Premier League over what appears to be a significant advantage for Conte’s in-form side.
“No. They do what they want,” said Mourinho, ahead of his side’s Boxing Day clash with Sunderland.
Manchester United upturn leaves Jose Mourinho feeling at home
“They will give excuses – that TV, they have their choice. So it’s not the Premier League, it’s Sky, it’s BT.
“They want a certain club to play this day and for a club to play that day. There are always reasons.

“I prefer not to lose my time with that. I prefer to get what I get and to try to work the team in that direction. OK. And we have to do it. We have to do it. We’re going to do it.”
Mourinho was perhaps mindful of the fact that he has appeared before the Football Association’s disciplinary powers three times already this season.
Referees ‘like lions in the zoo’, wails Arsene Wenger after Manchester City beat Arsenal
He may have been keen to avoid a fourth such appearance by being openly critical of the Premier League’s handling of the schedule.
Mourinho was also diplomatic when comparing his treatment this season with that of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who escaped punishment despite criticising the match officials following his side’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City.

“I’m not surprised. I can’t say more than that,” said Mourinho.
“But I’m not surprised. When I read his quotes I felt there would be no problem ... for him.
“No, it doesn’t irritate me because I’m not happy with the problems others have.
High-flying Chelsea march on as Diego Costa seals victory at Crystal Palace
“Some people, not just in football but in life, it looks like they are happy, not with the things they get, but happy with bad things others get.
“I’m not like that. I’m not happy other people are in trouble or have problems. I’m just unhappy when I have them. That’s it.”


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English Premier League

Fixtures favour Chelsea complains Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. Photo: AFP

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Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, right, celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game with teammate Jesse Lingard, during the English Premier League soccer match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United, at The Hawthorns, in West Bromwich, England, Saturday Dec. 17, 2016. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)

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Ageless Zlatan Ibrahimovic earns praise from Jose Mourinho after Manchester United victory

Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates scoring his second goal against West Brom. Photo: Reuters

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Manchester United's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (R) watches as Manchester United's English midfielder Jesse Lingard (R) lies injured during the English Premier League football match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns stadium in West Bromwich, central England, on December 17, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Oli SCARFF / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. /

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Jose Mourinho says he is enjoying his time with Manchester United. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

Antonio Conte’s Premier League leaders will play their three seasonal games over 10 days, compared to eight days for the Red Devils and Arsenal and seven for Liverpool
