IT’S ANT ’N DECKED
Conte wants Blues boys to stick the boot in
ANTONIO CONTE has no plans to change Chelsea’s style and is ordering his players to keep up their aggressive approach.
The fiery Italian saw Cesc Fabregas sent off in the opening game of their US tour, as they beat Liverpool 1-0 in the International Champions Cup in Pasadena yesterday.
Gary Cahill (below) hit the winner but it was Fabregas’ red card on Liverpool debutant Ragnar Klavan that was the talking point.
Diego Costa was a controversial figure last season and the Blues were also involved in the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ against Tottenham.
But new boss Conte, famed for his explosive antics on the touchline, will not be telling any of his players to tone it down on the pitch.
He said: “I like it if my team plays with great aggression and high intensity.
“We train to prepare for that because I want my team to have an identity. I want it so that if you see us, you recognise, ‘Oh, Chelsea are playing’.
“That is important for me, important for the club and the owner. Everywhere I have been I have worked at that. I always gave an identity to my teams. ® from GEORGE SCOTT I am searching to transfer this to my players and I am pleased because I see a great attitude.
“I want to continue in this way because this is the way to come back to fight for the title. Not with words, but actions.”
Fabregas admitted that he deserved to get sent off for a wild 70th-minute challenge on defender Klavan. But the Spaniard accused the referee Baldomero Toledo of losing control in a match with six bookings
The midfielder later went into the Liverpool dressing room to apologise to Klavan and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. Fabregas said: “The way the ref was giving yellow cards, probably yes it was fair.
“In the Premier League you could probably get away with that. I got there late, he got a toe to the ball and then I was anxious to win the ball. It was a hard tackle, so I accept it.
“I’m very sorry for my late challenge. There was no malicious intent and I am very glad that he is okay.
“We want to win every game and everything becomes very competitive.
“But the ref was giving cards all over the place.
“It became a bit of a farce and it was the only little negative to the night.”