Conte reaping rewards of Blues’ trust relationship

CHELSEA manager Antonio Conte admits the trust he has placed in his players is paying off as they edge their way to the Premier League title.

Pedro and Willian, who came off the bench, both scored in the 3-0 win at Everton but neither have been nailed-on first-choice selections for Conte this season.

Add to that Cesc Fabregas’ reduced role in the Premier League as the Italian has kept faith with virtually the same starting line-up week in, week out, and it could have potentially posed some problems for Conte when he did need to call on those players.

But when he has done they have all invariably delivered and their manager believes this team spirit has helped take the team to the brink of the title, leading Tottenham by four points with four matches to go.

“It is great to have this type of player and for sure it is not easy every game to make the best decision between Pedro and Willian,” the Chelsea boss said.

“Also for me it is not easy to keep Cesc sometimes on the bench because I think Cesc is a player that in this part of the season is showing to be decisive in every moment if he starts the game — and also Willian.

“They are used to playing every game but they are showing me to be great men and fantastic players.

“Pedro is showing to be a great player but don’t forget Pedro played with Barcelona and he won a lot with the club.

“He is a great player and he is having a fantastic season but he must continue this way and finish this season and win otherwise also for him it is a good season — but not a fantastic season.”

“It is very important to stay together in this moment because we must feel this season could become fantastic.”