Conte praise as Blues seal cup progress

Epic journey worthwhile as Chelsea reach knockout stages

QARABAG CHELSEA 0 4

Head coach Antonio Conte praised the character of his Chelsea players after securing Champions League knockout stage qualification with a 4-0 Group C win at Qarabag.

Chelsea ensured their longest Champions League journey – it is almost 2,500 miles between London and Baku, Azerbaijan – was worthwhile by qualifying ahead of December’s clash with Atletico Madrid.

Willian scored twice and was fouled for two penalties, scored by Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas, against 10-man Qarabag as the Blues warmed up for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool. Conte was fuming after the 3-0 loss at Roma which left Chelsea’s Champions League status in the balance, but was pleased with the response.

“This group is showing great character,” Conte said. “From the start we faced a lot of problems this season. Our answer was positive.

“These players show me every day great commitment, great will, desire to fight.”

Conte repeated his complaints about the Premier League fixture schedule, which means his staff have already begun preparing for Eden Hazard Anfield and were planning to continue to do so on the five-and-a-half-hour overnight flight back to London.

The Italian added: “We have to work during the flight. To have only one day to rest and only one day to prepare this big game is not simple, is not easy. I think also it’s not right.

“I don’t want to make excuses, but this is the reality. When people hear the complaints of the coach, someone has to help us. The press, the TV, to underline this strange situation.”

Securing their place in the knockout stages with one match remaining means Conte can rotate his options against Atletico next month.

Qarabag boss Gurban Gurbanov’s main frustration was at a double punishment. He said: “Maybe if we were not a small country or small team the decision would’ve been different. Chelsea didn’t need this red card.”