Blues boss out to have a blast in the City
LONDON: Chelsea’s Premier League game at Manchester City is a good chance to show they have rediscovered their best form following last season’s problems, manager Antonio Conte said yesterday.
Chelsea, who finished 10th in May, retained their place at the summit with a 7th successive league victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend ahead of the trip to third-placed City today.
“I think it’s a really tough game. It’s a great test for us, for our formation, to continue this way,” Conte said.
“We know it won’t be easy because we face a really great team, with a great idea of football. I think it’s another step to show if something has changed compared to the start of the season.”
Chelsea have scored 19 goals and conceded just one during their winning run and Conte is unlikely to make changes to his starting line-up at the Etihad Stadium.
“I’m pleased for the players that are playing. Those on the bench understand. There is the right atmosphere,” the Italian added.
City’s Kevin de Bruyne, who left Chelsea in 2014, has emerged as one of the world’s finest attacking midfielders since falling out of favour with then-manager José Mourinho.
“He’s a great player. It’s a pity he is playing for another team because he’s a fantastic player. I wish for him the best… after our game,” Conte said.
British media reported that Chelsea’s Steve Holland is wanted by manager Gareth Southgate as part of England’s backroom set-up and Conte said he was happy with his assistant’s commitment amid speculation.
“The situation is very clear. Steve is one of my assistant coaches and working very well. He is working for Chelsea for many years. I’m very happy with his commitment, attitude and work rate,” Conte said.
“I don’t know what happens in the future. This matter is for the FA. But for now I am pleased to have him.”
Meanwhile, West Ham’s Ashley Fletcher hopes his first goal for the club in midweek will help cement his place in the starting XI, and that there are many more goals to come.
The former Manchester United striker scored West Ham’s only goal as his new team lost to his old one in a League Cup quarter-final.
Fletcher, who tapped in after United goalkeeper David de Gea failed to hold on to Dimitri Payet’s shot, said opening his Hammers account had been a boost.
“It can only give me a lot of confidence getting my first goal for West Ham,” Fletcher told the club website.
“I go into every game thinking I can score, and now I have my first one, hopefully many more will follow.
“On a personal note, it was unbelievable to get my first goal… at the Stretford End… something like that doesn’t happen to De Gea as you could see on Sunday when I should have really scored.”
The team went into the quarter-final having held United to a 1-1 draw in the league.
West Ham are 16th on 12 points, one clear of the relegation zone. They host fourth-placed Arsenal today in their next league game.
“But, now we have to concentrate on the league. I can sense the lads want to bounce straight back (today),” he added.
“I will be hoping to start again. The manager has some tough decisions to make. I think Andy (Carroll) will be back… so it will be fierce competition for places in the striking role.” – Reuters