Chelsea branded 'absolutely pathetic' after using their matchday programme to highlight how many games they've played since the last international break compared to their rivals

  • Chelsea used their programme to show how many games they've played lately
  • It highlighted how they have played more than their rivals in the last two months
  • Some people on social media have criticised the club for pointing out the issue 

Chelsea reserved a section in their matchday programme for their game against Tottenham on Sunday to point out how many games they have played compared to their rivals over the past two months.

Manager Thomas Tuchel claimed his side were 'mentally and physically tired' after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton on Tuesday. 

Some may feel the German coach was making excuses for his side's dip in form, with the Blues having fallen away in the title race since the turn of the year.

Thomas Tuchel has blamed fatigue for his side's below-par performances in recent weeks

Thomas Tuchel has blamed fatigue for his side's below-par performances in recent weeks

Chelsea chose to write about their schedule in their matchday programme (credit: Twitter)

Chelsea chose to write about their schedule in their matchday programme (credit: Twitter)

However, Chelsea look to be backing their manager, and highlighted their gruelling schedule ahead of their London derby clash with Spurs.


The programme showed that Chelsea have played 18 matches since the players returned from the last international break in November. 

This is two more games than Liverpool, while Manchester City, who appear on course for their fourth title in the last five seasons, have played four fewer matches than Chelsea in this period.

At the other end of the spectrum, Burnley have been in action just seven times over the last two months. 

There can be little doubt that Chelsea have been stretched by their fixture list in recent months, particularly after injuries to key players such as Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

There does not seem to be too much sympathy for their heavy workload on social media, though.

One fan claimed that it was hardly surprising that Chelsea have had such a busy schedule

One fan claimed that it was hardly surprising that Chelsea have had such a busy schedule

Another pointed out that Chelsea have loaned out a high number of players this season

Another pointed out that Chelsea have loaned out a high number of players this season

One supporter was left thoroughly unimpressed by Chelsea highlighting their fixture list

One supporter was left thoroughly unimpressed by Chelsea highlighting their fixture list

Replying to a tweet sent out by journalist Miguel Delaney showing Chelsea's programme notes, one fan wrote: 'Clubs with the most players fulfilling the most games shock.'

Another referred to Chelsea's tendency to send players out on temporary deals by stating: '21 players out on loan.... are we supposed to feel sorry for them?'

Meanwhile, another Twitter user did not hold back as he simply wrote: 'That is absolutely pathetic from them.'

Tuchel's side returned to winning ways on Sunday as they swept aside Tottenham 2-0, and they now have a two-week break before they return to action in the FA Cup against Plymouth Argyle next month.