Chelsea running on empty, claims Conte
LONDON — Antonio Conte believes Chelsea’s grueling schedule and a lack of squad depth are to blame for the Premier League champion’s recent struggles.
Conte’s side lacked energy and drive as they were held to a 0-0 draw against 10-man Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
For the first time in the club’s history, Chelsea has recorded three successive goalless draws after an FA Cup stalemate at Norwich and a League Cup blank against Arsenal.
Even the 68th-minute sending-off of Leicester defender Ben Chilwell couldn’t lift the lethargic Blues, who were outplayed in the first half and couldn’t make their numerical advantage count at the end of the second period.
With an FA Cup replay against the Canaries looming in midweek, Blues boss Conte is concerned by the signs of fatigue following the hectic Christmas schedule.
“We played with tiredness. We suffered a lot in the first half and at the start of the second half,” Conte said.
“We played with a lot of effort against Arsenal on Wednesday, then to play a really good team in good physical form like Leicester was difficult.
“We played with almost the same players as against Arsenal. I saw a lot of players very tired. I saw Eden (Hazard) was very tired so he came off.
“When I decided to put fresh energy on with Willian and Pedro, the game changed. We created chances to score but at the end the result was fair.”
Conte hinted Chelsea’s energy levels are affecting results because he doesn’t have the quality players in reserve to keep his team fresh and performing at a high level.
The Italian has spent much of the season grumbling about the club’s lack of signings since he led Chelsea to the title last season.
“I’m doing rotations. Against Norwich I made nine changes, against Arsenal I made 10 changes,” he said.
“To face all competitions is not simple. You must have a big squad to do this, otherwise you take risks to lose against teams like Leicester.”
Misfiring Morata
Regardless of its fitness problems, Chelsea is also suffering from a lack of cutting edge, with striker Alvaro Morata one of the worst offenders in front of goal.
The Spaniard has netted only three times in 14 appearances, with no goals in his last five matches.
But Conte is adamant Morata isn’t the only one to blame for his team’s profligacy.
“The problem is for the team, not only for Morata,” said the Italian.
“Compared to last season we are conceding less, we are showing great solidity defensively. At the same time we’re showing not great quality in our finishing. We have to improve.”