Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has backed his supporters’ unhappiness at the club’s Christmas Eve fixture against Wolves, saying that he is also unhappy with the scheduling, which will cause him to miss his wedding anniversary.
The Blues will travel to Molineux on December 24 for a 1pm kick-off, in only the second Christmas Eve Premier League match since the league’s foundation in 1992.
Pochettino told reporters on Friday that the timing of the fixture will have a personal impact on him, as well as the Chelsea fans who face a long journey during the festive period.
“Our fans are not happy – me neither,” Pochettino said. “I am not happy also, because the 23rd is my anniversary with my wife and I need to travel to Wolves. I don’t get to spend the night of the 23rd in my house.
“And then the 24th for Argentinian people is a really important night. I hope to arrive in time to celebrate after.
“It’s not easy to change but we need to accept it. We are in England and it’s different from the rest of the world.
“I need to adapt myself and even if I’m not happy I need to do my best, to try to be at our best level. This is a situation we cannot change.”
Chelsea are the only team to face an away game on Christmas Eve, with the rest of the Matchday 18 fixtures taking place between December 21 and 23.
