When he’s feeling blue, Conte can bank on his fervent Chelsea men
CHELSEA manager Antonio Conte is pleased with the way his side have reacted to setbacks this season and says the players have shown great character to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
Chelsea’s European campaign suffered a setback last month with a 3-0 defeat at AS Roma but they regained top spot in Group C after Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Qarabag in Azerbaijan.
“This group is showing great character,” Conte told reporters after the match.
“From the start we faced a lot of problems this season. Our answer was positive, almost always positive. For sure, the second half against Roma was bad.
“These players show me every day great commitment, great will, desire to fight.”
Conte has questioned the lack of preparation time between domestic and European fixtures and raised the issue again as Chelsea turn their attention to tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Liverpool.
“To have only one day to rest and only one day to prepare (for) this big game is not simple, is not easy. I think also it’s not right,” he said.
“I don’t want to make excuses, but this is the reality.”
Chelsea, third in the league, nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City, have won two and drawn three of their last five league games at Anfield.
l Claude Puel says his Leicester City side must be wary of a reaction from West Ham United in today’s Premier League clash following the appointment of David Moyes as manager.
Moyes replaced the sacked Slaven Bilic this month and his first match in charge was a 2-0 defeat at Watford last weekend. Puel is concerned about a possible backlash at London Stadium as West Ham look to get a result in front of their own supporters.
“West Ham fans want a reaction. We know this team and they will want to show their qualities at home,” Puel told reporters.
“When a new manager arrives, there is always a possibility for different players to show their qualities and try and win their place.
“It will be a strong game against them and we have to keep our focus because it will be a crucial game for us.”
Leicester, who are 12th in the league, suffered a 2-0 home defeat by Manchester City last Saturday to end a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions. West Ham have gone five league games without a win. “We are playing a crucial game... after losing to Manchester City it is important to bounce back in the Premier League,” Puel added. – Reuters