Conte rejects threat of Chelsea exodus
Antonio Conte is confident there will not be an exodus of his star players should his side fail to finish in the Premier League top four.
Chelsea were eliminated from the Champions League after a 3-0 Nou Camp defeat by Barcelona on Wednesday and the defending champions are fifth in the Premier League, four points behind Liverpool in fourth. That has led to speculation that the likes of Eden Hazard, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, could leave if they are not playing in Europe’s premier competition next season, but Conte is adamant he can keep his side together.
“Don’t forget that two years ago Chelsea finished 10th, with many players who have featured this season,” said Conte. “They decided to continue to play for this club.
“Do the players need to take responsibility? I think like last season, when we won title and reached the final of the FA Cup, it’s always the same: we must be ready to share the responsibility with the club, the players, me and my staff.”
Chelsea are in FA Cup action tomorrow with a trip to Leicester City, the only trophy they can conceivably win. “It is an important trophy, we want to try to fight until the end,” said Conte. “We have to try to win the FA Cup and make the top four, but it won’t be easy.”
Conte also had a warning for Gary Cahill that the only way he will play himself back into World Cup contention is by working.
The defender was surprisingly omitted by Gareth Southgate in his latest England squad after he was also left on the bench for both Champions League matches with Barcelona. “There is only way to respond: to work hard and show you deserve to play,” Conte said. “I don’t see another way. He should not complain. I can help him improve and work hard and show he deserves to go.
“We are talking about an unbelievable player, with a great quality as a player and also human quality.”