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Mauricio Pochettino empathises with supporters angry about the Premier League\u2019s decision to move Chelsea\u2019s trip to Wolves to Christmas Eve, admitting it has thrown his festive plans and anniversary celebrations with his wife into chaos.<\/p>\n
The league confirmed on Thursday that the fixture, which has been pushed back 24 hours to accommodate TV coverage, will be the first played on December 24 since Manchester United played Leeds in 1995, a move that has drawn a backlash from fans.<\/p>\n
Scheduled for a 1pm kick-off, it could leave supporters struggling to make travel arrangements with train timetables typically amended or curtailed the day before Christmas, while there are also concerns it will impact time supporters traditionally spend with family.<\/p>\n
Pochettino is set to be doubly affected by the move, as not only is it Argentinian custom to begin Christmas celebrations late on December 24, the previous day also marks his and his wife\u2019s 31st wedding anniversary \u2013 which he will now spend travelling to Wolverhampton.<\/p>\n
Despite not being consulted by the league he conceded that the club has little choice but to go along, but backed objections by supporters who have spoken out.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a little bit strange but we need to accept the rules of the Premier League, that we need to go there and to play,\u201d said Pochettino.<\/p>\n
\u201c(In Argentina) we celebrate on the night of the 24th. At 12 o\u2019clock on the night we start to celebrate Christmas. More than the 25th because you\u2019re asleep nearly all day. Here it\u2019s different because you celebrate on the 25th with the family.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need to see things in a different way. For sure our fans are not happy but we need to accept this new era in football.<\/p>\n
\u201c(The Premier League) didn\u2019t ask us. They wanted some meeting with me and all the coaches one week before the season. I said I\u2019m more than happy to share time with you, but it\u2019s better if you prepare the meeting before the end of the season to prepare the next season.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they ask me I will give my opinion, but at the moment we are not involved in the decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do (with my wife). I need to find some ideas to compensate. (Search online for) \u2018unhappy wife\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Wolves game is the first of three in seven days for Chelsea over the Christmas period, with Crystal Palace due at Stamford Bridge on the evening of December 27 before visiting Luton on December 30.<\/p>\n
The Palace game has been moved from Boxing Day in order to accommodate the controversial Christmas Eve fixture.<\/p>\n
Pochettino reiterated that supporters\u2019 concerns must be paramount in scheduling decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe play and we work and all that we are doing is for our fans,\u201d he said. \u201cWithout fans, football (is nothing). We need to protect, and to care, and to look after our fans.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course I agree with them, that I am not happy if they are not happy. It\u2019s common sense. I can understand.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what is behind it. I don\u2019t know why. No one explained. I cannot tell. I hope it\u2019s one time and never again, but we\u2019ll see what happens.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople love football in England and they are going to be there. Our fans are going to be there supporting the team. But I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s going to be a regular situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked whether the club would offer a new contract to Conor Gallagher \u2013 who has captained the side in the absence of injured pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell \u2013 Pochettino likened the situation to the balancing act he now faces on the home front.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like how we were talking about my wife,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s about to match and to feel good being together. It\u2019s like a marriage with the club. They both need to feel good, then you can drive at a good deal.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a player that is doing fantastic. He\u2019s an amazing player and we\u2019re so happy with the way he is doing things.\u201d<\/p>\n