Ends season on a high with FA Cup title
Chelsea gives Man Utd the blues
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insisted he is a “serial winner” after ending a difficult season on a high by beating Manchester United 1-0 to lift the FA Cup thanks to Eden Hazard’s penalty at Wembley.
In what is still widely expected to be Conte’s final game in charge, the Blues withstood a second-half onslaught from United yesterday after Hazard’s 22ndminute spot-kick to ensure Jose Mourinho’s men end the season trophyless.
A year on from winning the Premier League in his debut season in English football, Conte failed to even qualify Chelsea for the Champions League as they finished fifth in the Premier League.
“I am the first to understand because I am the coach of an important club in England, in the world, and it is right the club demands of me a lot,” said the Italian on the constant speculation over his future.
But Conte defended his record after winning a knockout competition for the first time in his managerial career.
“Also in a difficult season, I have showed I am a serial winner,” he added. “This is the truth. To win in this way, this season, has given me more satisfaction than my wins in the past.” However, United manager Jose Mourinho was scathing of what he perceived as Chelsea’s negative tactics to drop deep and defend their lead after going in front.
“I congratulate them because they won but I don’t think they deserved to win,” Mourinho said.