FA Cup triumph was a career highlight, says Conte

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has said the manner of Chelsea’s FA Cup success has been a career highlight after a troubled season.

The Italian has been openly critical of Chelsea’s summer transfer policy and feels their lack of spending has been the crucial factor in missing out on a Champions League place this season.

But Saturday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley in part rescued a season which saw the Blues only manage a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.

“When you are used to winning every season, this type of season can create some problems in yourself,” Conte said.

“There are moments when you have a lot of questions for yourself. But I showed I am a serial winner. To win in this way gives me more satisfaction than my others wins in the past.”

But Conte, who is still expected to leave the club in the summer despite still having one year left on his contract, admitted Chelsea’s league campaign had fallen below the normal standards.

“To miss a place a Champions League is not good for a club like Chelsea,” he said.

“We must be honest to tell this – me and the players. But at the same time you have to know that the real situation to understand if this group of players did their best in this season.

“I have a contract and I have committed for this club. From the start of the season because the speculation started after our first defeat against Burnley, my position was always the same.

“To finish this way and win an important trophy showed great commitment and desire to finish in the right way despite the great difficulty we have had.”