Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has entered into the mind games ahead of Monday night's FA Cup tie withManchester United by insisting that the Red Devilscannot use their Europa League exertions as an excuse for defeat, should they lose the match at Stamford Bridge.
United made a 4500 mile round trip to face Russian side FC Rostov last Thursday to further compound what has been a hectic schedule for Jose Mourinho's team in recent months.
Conte says #MUFC cannot use timing of today's FA Cup tie as an excuse if they lose to Chelsea | By @sjstandardsport https://t.co/spOPOegiGR
Having to compete on four fronts has meant the Red Devils have consistently played at both the weekend, and in midweek, which has then led to frequent warnings from Mourinho that his players will inevitably tire and performance levels will drop.
Whilst United's results have yet to suffer from the busy fixture list, they face their biggest challenge in months when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Premier League leaders Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-final.
And as the team's prepare to face off, the Blues' boss has stated that the size of United's squad means they cannot use fatigue as an excuse, should they fail to secure their place in the semi-final.
Conte told theMirror:There are four days to recover, and this game is an important game for us, for them.
I think their formation will be very good. Also because United and City have the best squads in this league.�
We could have played on Sunday, or Saturday, if the federation (FA) decided it. But we are playing on Monday. I think that the federation showed great respect for Manchester United to play the last day available in the FA Cup.�
When commenting on his own team, the Italian refused to reveal who he will select, however, heremained adamant that he would not necessarily hand fringe players a rare start in such a big game.
Some quite interesting stats on Conte's very defensive" Chelsea and Mourinho's "attacking" Man Utd https://t.co/y1DIUiPG61 pic.twitter.com/EneuTfvWnR
Conte added:I don't see the necessity to rest people. Also because, I repeat, United will do the same against us.
I didn't promise anything. No. I didn't promise anything in the FA Cup. Nothing. I didn't promise nothing to anyone.�