CONTE IN TRIBUTE TO TUBE VICTIMS

CHELSEA manager Antonio Conte’s first thoughts at yesterday’s press conference were for those affected by the bombing at Parsons Green Tube station, close to Stamford Bridge. ‘All our thoughts are for the people affected in the incident on the Tube,’ he said. ‘This situation is very dangerous but we have to think only about playing the game — to show we are stronger than them.’ Conte was speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home London derby against Arsenal, and blamed a bad reaction to air conditioning for a problem with his throat which left him talking in hushed tones throughout. So will the home dugout be silent tomorrow? ‘Will the players be relieved? I prefer to recover,’ joked Conte. ‘I took antibiotics — and I also will today and tomorrow. I hope to solve the situation, otherwise it will be a problem for me. ‘I think the air conditioner was stronger than my cough sweets. In my office when I arrive I close the air conditioner. I suffer with air conditioning.’ Alexis Sanchez’s controversial first goal for Arsenal in last season’s FA Cup final obviously still sticks in Conte’s throat. The Chile striker put the Gunners on course for an unlikely 2-1 Wembley win over the champions in May — thus ruining Chelsea’s chances of winning the Double. Sanchez’s strike stood despite the linesman’s flag going up with Aaron Ramsey standing offside. Four months have passed but the pain remains for Conte. ‘I remember it well — we were a bit unlucky,’ he said. ‘We started the game 1-0 down. ‘Then we tried to change the game, then we had a red card, with 10 men we drew, but then we concede another goal. ‘I hope to finish tomorrow with 11 players because in the FA Cup final and Community Shield — we finished with 10 men.’ Conte, who also said £35million signing Danny Drinkwater has suffered an injury setback and faces another month out, then urged his team to stay focused despite the Tube attack. The match is expected to go ahead though Conte said players could be affected mentally. ‘In this case it’s important to continue,’ he insisted.