Chelsea’s sloppy defending irritates Conte
Antonio Conte warned Chelsea must avoid a repeat of the sloppy defending which led to Atletico Madrid’s goal in the 1-1 Champions League draw at Stamford Bridge.
The result plus Roma’s win over Qarabag meant Chelsea missed out on top spot in Group C, instead going through in second place.
Conte’s side missed a number of chances, but it was the manner in which an unmarked Saul Niguez scored after Chelsea failed to deal with a corner which most annoyed the Italian.
“I think tonight it was a good game and a good performance,” Conte said.
“I think we deserved to win the game because we had so many chances to score and you have to try to take them.
“Instead, their goalkeeper was I think their best player and in other circumstances could be more accurate.
“But at the same time, we conceded a goal and we have to improve because after a corner there were a lot of mistakes.
“When you play this type of game the defence is very important.”
Nevertheless, Conte was pleased Chelsea’s recovery from going a goal down and their overall showing in a strong group in which Atletico were eliminated.
He said: “We had the strength to draw and to try to win the game. We must be pleased because it was a really tough group.”
