Can’t keep Morata at Bay

Alvaro to get first taste of Blues action against German champions

LONDON: Alvaro Morata will get his first taste of Chelsea action against Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup match in Singapore today.

But Antonio Conte will not start the £70mil (RM390mil) record signing after he trained with his new teammates for the first time yesterday.

The Blues chief saw his side rout Arsenal in their last outing and will hope Morata, 24, can gel with his other attackers.

Asked about the Spanish striker, Conte said: “It is in my plans to give him the possibility to play a part of the game.

“I want to give him an opportunity to play part of the game – not from the start, he arrived only yesterday.”

Conte is hopeful Morata can make an instant impact despite having never played in English football.

Some players can take time to gel but the Italian thinks the new arrival’s experiences with Real Madrid and Juventus will stand him in good stead.

He added: “He’s a young player but he has a lot of experience in his career. He’s played in many big teams, like Real Madrid, and played in big games in the Champions League.

“Hopefully he can have a good impact in the Premier League.”

Michy Batshuayi scored two stunners against Arsenal in Beijing, China, on Saturday and could lead the line against Bayern with Morata coming on in the second-half.

Meanwhile, Morata has been backed by his teammate and compatriot Cesar Azpilicueta to cope with the pressure of being Chelsea’s No. 1 striker.

The Blues’ Spanish defender said: “I know him as a teammate in the national team and I know he is a very good addition for the club.

“It’s his first experience in the Premier League but he played in Italy, he played for Real Madrid, living with high pressure his whole life as a striker. He scored a lot of goals for the national team and in big competitions.”

Despite limited opportunities at Real, Morata netted 15 goals in 26 La Liga games last term and has nine in 20 matches for Spain.

Azpilicueta added: “He’s going to bring his qualities and he can do very well. He knows the manager. He knows the way we play. He will adapt quick and I’m sure he will adapt and score many goals.” — The Sun, London

Give me the ball: Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata (centre) at a training session in Singapore yesterday. — AFP

Have faith in Alvaro: Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta speaking at a press conference in Singapore yesterday ahead of the International Champions Cup match against Bayern Munich today. Azpilicueta has tipped Alvaro Morata to be a big hit at Stamford...