An apparent disparity between certain Premier League clubs' fixtures over the Christmas period has irked Jose Mourinho, with a number of managers disappointed that leaders Chelsea have, on paper, the kindest set of matches.
Hosting Bournemouth and Stoke City on Boxing Day and New Years' Eve, respectively, Antonio Conte's men enjoy the luxury of two extra days off ahead of their January 4 trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
In contrast, Mourinho's Manchester United play on December 31 before a long trip to West Ham United just 48 hours later, a similar situation to the one facing Liverpool and Manchester City.
"Why? I don't know either," Mourinho told reporters about the difference found between the clubs.
"I'm not speaking about Chelsea; it happened the same with Liverpool a couple of years ago and this year too. A team not playing in Europe has a big advantage, for sure.
"If, on top of that, when there is a first possibility of congestion with fixtures; if in that period they don't have it, obviously it makes a difference.
"You don't need to be a scientist to understand that to play with one day's rest is different to playing with four days' rest. It's completely different.
"For me, the point is why? But over the years nobody really answered me because I had this also when I was at Chelsea."
"The busy period is for some clubs, not for everyone. If you analyse the fixtures there is no congestion for them. It looks like the fixtures are chosen to give rest for some and to create problems to others."
Despite strongly intimating his desire for change, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was forthright that he simply has no choice but to prepare for the visit of Pep Guardiola's City just two days before an away game with Sunderland.
"Would I like to change? Yes. Can I? No. So why should I think about it?" the German stated. "Somebody decided this, I'm not sure who did but maybe you have to ask him."