Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has dismissed suggestions of disgruntlement at the club over his training methods.
Reports have claimed that Blues players are exhausted by Conte’s punishing schedule.
However, the Italian coach says the training load is “70% less” than it was during last season’s Premier League title-winning campaign.
“I don’t know about this,” said former Juventus manager Conte, when asked about the media speculation.
Chelsea are without a win in their last three games, losing to Manchester City and Crystal Palace in the Premier League before drawing 3-3 at home to Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday.
On Saturday, Chelsea, who are nine points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, host Watford.
It will be their third game in seven days and Conte believes the quick turnaround between fixtures – and the lack of preparation time that leaves – is behind their recent poor form.
“When you play every three days it’s impossible to work on the tactical aspect and physical aspect,” he added.
“I think we are paying less attention in every detail.”
Conte feeling the pressure?
Chelsea have not lost three straight Premier League games since Autumn 2015. Jose Mourinho, who won the Premier League with the Blues in 2014-15, was then sacked a few weeks later as the club’s title defence faltered.
Asked if he was feeling the pressure, Conte, 48, added: “I think every coach, every manager has to feel the pressure.
“When I go to my house I’m happy because I know in every moment I put all myself in my job for this club, for the fans, for my players.
“But you know very well anything can happen in football.”
BBC Sports