Conte wary of ‘stronger’ Everton
ANTONIO CONTE feels Chelsea have proved to themselves they are ready to challenge for the title again.
The champions’ season got off to a disastrous start when they were reduced to nine men in a shock 3-2 home defeat by Burnley.
But a side missing Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas through suspension, as well as injured playmaker Eden Hazard, went to Wembley last weekend and beat Tottenham, last term’s closest challengers, 2-1.
“We sent a really good message,” said Blues boss Conte. “In an emergency situation we were able to win against a really strong team like Tottenham.
“Don’t forget, last season, after 13 wins in a row, we lost at Tottenham. This season we won.
“When you play this type of team we must be very happy for the spirit, for the desire we showed.”
Fabregas returns against Everton today but Cahill remains suspended, while Diego Costa’s situation is unchanged with the striker refusing to return to Stamford Bridge.
Hazard played 75 minutes for Chelsea’s Under-23s against Everton on Friday following a fractured ankle but is not expected to be involved with the senior team this weekend.
With new Everton signings Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson already among the goals, Conte is expecting a tough test from Ronald Koeman’s side.
“Koeman has built a really strong team,” he added. “Also last season they had a strong team, and this season they improved a lot.
“We must pay great attention, because this type of game will be difficult for us. It is very important, after a really good win over Tottenham, to continue this way.”
Conte is still looking to add to his squad but two new signings, Alvaro Morata and Tiemoue Bakayoko, were pivotal to the Spurs win.
“Morata is improving a lot,” said the Italian. “Also Bakayoko is working with us for only 10 days. To go into a different style of football is not simple.
“You have to understand the movement, when you attack the space, whether you stay to receive the ball, there are many situations to understand.
“Morata is improving a lot in physical condition and is also adapting to the football.”