Anotnio Conte admitted the scheduling of Chelsea's clash with Liverpool on transfer deadline day is "very strange".
Speaking at his press conference yesterday, the Italian questioned why games would be put on deadline day when many of those in league action would be active in signing new players.
"It's very strange," he said. "Very strange for it to finish after our game, the transfer window, before a tough game against Liverpool."
Chelsea look as though they will not allow goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to leave before 11pm on Tuesday night, while news today emerged that defender Branislav Ivanovic was in talks to join to join Zenit St Petersburg.
"Until now, I haven't news about Asmir. I think we have to wait and we'll see the situation then. But the situation is the same: Asmir wants to go to play because he wants to play every game, but also Asmir knows really well our situation.
"If we are able to find a good replacement, he'll go. Otherwise, he'll stay with us and fight until the end with the other teams to win the title and find a place as champions."
Chelsea travel to Anfield on Tuesday evening to face Liverpool, who have lost their last three games in all competitions. Jurgen Klopp has faced some fierce pressure from unhappy Liverpool fans after the Reds were knocked out of the League Cup and the FA Cup in the space of three days.
Chelsea, meanwhile, sit top of the Premier League and a win tonight could take them 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who host Watford.
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