Antonio Conte believes the size of the occasion gave Tiémoué Bakayoko the energy to get through his Chelsea debut despite the midfielder not being fully fit.
Bakayoko was hurried back after a knee problem for the game against Tottenham at Wembley because Cesc Fabregas’ suspension left the Blues short of other midfield options.
Boss Conte was reluctant to include the summer signing from Monaco but felt he had no choice.
The France international rose to the challenge, playing starring role in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory – and surprisingly managing to complete the full 90 minutes.
Conte said: “Don’t forget I was a player and I know that sometimes motivation brings you to get over your physical condition.
“In a great stadium, against a great opponent, with a great atmosphere you can have a performance like that.”
And Conte feels Bakayoko will get even better as he adjusts to his new club and the Premier League.
The Italian said: “For sure he can improve. He needs to adapt more to our style of football.”
This post was last modified on 21/08/2017
View Comments
For me if we are to compete in the champions league this season we need 5-6 more players:van dirk can replace terry, barkley to replace lampard or oscer as bakayoko replace mikel,drinkwater to replace matic as kante represent ramires,chamberlain if available to partner moses or our atacking forces when needed if he s not then we should go for adama traore of midlebrow which will cost us lesser and beter deal like our great ascepueta, dani rose or any oda option to partner alonso since we have let ake go,lastly we should go for jamie vardy to replace costa until morata fully adapt and let loan batsuayi out for more experience and play time like we do for lukaku. This is my own opinion as a die hard chelsea fan and if we can manage do this with the coach we have am 100% sure chelsea will not be fear alone in england but all other tem in europe will fear of chelsea. THANKS
we actually need both vardy n drink wta to make Chelsea more powerful in all aspects
Pls chelsea we need Vardy thats all for all titles
Drinkwater,vardy and rose perfect for chelsea
am going for abumiya, rose, ox/ lorente 3 signings
pls conte have time for Alvaro. let him enjoy like coming home and all blues supporters should come in numbers for our mother club. Chelsea will win the EPL,champions league and fa cup this season I love my Chelsea
pls conte we need, aubamiyang, backly and drink water... tank u sir
I tink we did well in our last match,we play wit ful convidience, it was realy wonderful but i stil believe we need more signing to help build the team more stronger.
I tink we did well in our last match wit ful convidience, it was realy wonderful but i stil believe we need more signing to help build the team more stronger.
Chelsea must have to buy drinkwater in order to make things easier for kante,in the midfied. And alex chambailen is necessary or they will regreat later