Antonio Conte says successive 3-0 wins without Diego Costa have underlined Chelsea’s ability to adapt.
Just as he did when Costa was suspended for the recent home victory against Bournemouth, Blues boss Conte opted to deploy Eden Hazard in a central attacking role at Leicester rather than give Michy Batshuayi a first Premier League start.
The result was again emphatic as the combination of Hazard, Pedro and Willian helped to put the Premier League leaders seven points clear at the top of the table.
“It’s important to have another plan in your mind,” Conte said.
“To play without a number nine is another solution. We played without a number nine and won 3-0, 3-0.
“It’s important to always play as a team and to have different solutions is important for me and the team. Sometimes to change your plan is important.”
Costa is reported to have been made a huge offer to play in China.
However, Conte has insisted that the Spain striker was left out of Chelsea’s squad for the Leicester game after missing training because of back injury.
This post was last modified on 15/01/2017