KIDS MUST WAIT FOR THEIR CHANCE

ANTONIO CONTE has defended Chelsea’s treatment of their young players – insisting they are too impatient and must prove they are up to the job. Nathaniel Chalobah quit for Watford this month after the champions spent £40million on Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who at 22 is the same age as him. Nathan Ake (right), also 22, joined Bournemouth in a £20m deal last month. He was recalled from a loan spell at the Cherries in January, but then made only five appearances for Chelsea. And 19-year-old Dominic Solanke (far right), disillusioned by a lack of opportunities at Stamford Bridge, joined Liverpool for £3m.

But Blues boss Conte said: “Sometimes I think the young players lose their patience very quickly. A lot of time because of parents or the people around them.

“I think the advisors aren’t right. The first thing they should have is good patience. Trust the club. Then work very hard to know that to play at this level you must be stronger – and very good.

“Sometimes young players think they can play easily in the first team but that’s not true. I have to pick 11 players. Not only me, every coach.”

Pressed on Chalobah’s decision to leave after Bakayoko’s arrival, Conte added: “I think, honestly, at this moment there is a great difference between the two players.

“You’re talking about one player who has played with Monaco, who has maybe 100 appearances for that club.

“He has played in the Champions League and has played regularly. Try to understand the difference before you judge. People who do don’t understand the difference.”

Chalobah (left) reached the semi-finals of the European Championship with England Under-21s this summer. Bakayoko lifted the French title with Monaco and played in the semi-finals of the Champions League.