I was right not to start striker Batshuayi, says Conte
CHELSEA manager Antonio Conte defended his decision to ‘play three No. 10s’ instead of striker Michy Batshuayi after his side failed to break down Everton. Conte was without suspended top scorer Alvaro Morata but left Batshuayi on the bench until 20 minutes from the end of the draw at Goodison Park.
‘I think there is nothing to explain,’ said Conte. ‘Morata was out and I think this player is very important for us so we played with three No. 10s — Willian, Pedro, [Eden] Hazard. I have to make the best decision for my team. This is not the first time and I took the best decision for my team.
‘Don’t forget Michy is coming back from an injury [foot]. He played against Bournemouth for 75 minutes.’
Chelsea had 26 shots at goal but many fans will still feel confused about the manager’s decision not to use Batshuayi in a game their team dominated.
Conte lost Diego Costa, Bertrand Traore and Dominic Solanke in the summer and has seen another striker, Tammy Abraham, loaned out to Swansea. However, he has only handed Batshuayi three League starts in 18 months.
England manager Gareth Southgate was at Goodison but Chelsea didn’t have a single Englishman on show.