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Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino: 'Christmas Eve game affects my anniversary'

Pochettino: 'Christmas Eve game affects my anniversary'
© Reuters
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino says that the Premier League's decision to switch the fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers to Christmas Eve will affect his wedding anniversary.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that the club's Premier League fixture with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve will affect his anniversary.

Following on from reports that the Premier League were considering holding a game on Christmas Eve for the first time since 1995, the decision was confirmed on Thursday.

As a result, neither the Blues or their West Midlands hosts will play on the more traditional date of Boxing Day, with each club not being penalised in terms of rest periods between games.

However, the scheduling has the potential to have a considerable impact on supporters, emergency services and the media, with the vast majority who would prefer not to have a football fixture scheduled for 1pm on that particular day.

Supporters group from both teams have already acknowledged their disappointment, calling for the Premier League and broadcaster Sky Sports - who allegedly instigated the decision - to reconsider.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reacts on August 13, 2023© Reuters

Any appeal, as it stands, is unlikely to be successful, something which Pochettino acknowledged at a press conference on Friday ahead of the upcoming showdown with Brentford.

Nevertheless, Pochettino admitted that the move on the calendar would also proved inconvenient to himself courtesy of being required to travel to Wolverhampton on the day of his 31st wedding anniversary.

Speaking to reporters, Pochettino said: "Our fans not happy? Me either. 23 is my anniversary with my wife and I need to travel to Wolves and then 24th for Argentine people is a really important night and I hope to arrive in time to celebrate an important night.

"It is difficult because it is not easy to change. We need to accept we are in England and it is different to the rest of the world.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reacts on September 27, 2023© Reuters

"Even if I am not happy, I need to try to be in our best level and accept a situation we cannot change."

Preceding the trip to Wolves, Chelsea have more than a week to prepare after the home encounter with Sheffield United on December 16.

After the visit to Molineux, Pochettino's team will next be in action on December 27 when they play host to Crystal Palace with a 7.30pm kickoff.

Chelsea will have minimal time to get ready for their next contest, as a showdown with Luton Town at Kenilworth Road takes place at 12.30pm on December 30.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City4400113812
2Arsenal431061510
3Newcastle UnitedNewcastle431063310
4Liverpool43017169
5Aston Villa43017619
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton42206248
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest42204228
8Chelsea42118537
9Brentford42026606
10Manchester UnitedMan Utd42025506
11Bournemouth41215505
12Fulham41214405
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs41126424
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham411256-14
15Leicester CityLeicester402257-22
16Crystal Palace402247-32
17Ipswich TownIpswich402227-52
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves4013411-71
19Southampton400418-70
20Everton4004413-90


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