Conte on Morata, Leicester’s strengths, his team selection and goalkeeper decision
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of the game against Leicester. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
On Morata and Cahill being dropped by their countries
“I think that this question is for the coach of the national team – not for me.
“My only worry is to get the players in the best form for Chelsea, then there is the national coach to make the best decision for the country.
“Maybe Morata could score on Sunday.”
On whether the FA Cup or qualifying for the Champions League is the top priority
“We have to try to do both and try to get to the next round in the FA Cup. It won’t be easy because Leicester is a good team.
“We must also do our best in the league to find a place in the Champions League.
“Every trophy is important for us. We start the season to try to fight until the end of every competition.
“We reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. In the Champions League we reached the last 16. Now there is the FA Cup quarter-final. If we win we can play another semi-final at Wembley. Every competition is important.”
On his team selection against Leicester
“Now we are not playing every three days. We played against Barcelona but we have time to recover and rest and for this reason I will pick the best solution for this game.”
On whether Courtois or Caballero will play
“I think that we are talking about two good goalkeepers – Thibaut and Willy. We don’t have rules for the competition. On Sunday I will try to make the best decision because I want to go to the next round.”
On bouncing back from the Barcelona defeat
“It is difficult but this is football. It was a pity to go out – especially after two good performances against Barcelona. But this is life. Now we have to face another competition. We must have great confidence to trust in our strength and to try to move on.”
On Leicester
“I think we are talking about a team that two years ago won the title and in the squad there are many good players with good qualities – talented players.
“They want to fight a lot. In the game at home we suffered a lot. They put a lot of pressure on us and they run a lot and have very dangerous players. We must pay great attention.
“The special plan is to try to defend well. For sure we all know about Vardy’s characteristics; he is a clever player and is very good to attack the space and to find the right time to attack the space.
“We must pay great attention if they decide to play with [Kelechi] Iheanacho or Shinji Okazaki.”
On the FA Cup
“This is a great competition and the oldest in the world and for this reason we have to try to go to the next round. Last season we were very good to reach the final – to play a semi-final against United, the semi-final against Tottenham, and the final against Arsenal.
“Now we have the possibility to reach the semi-final for another time. We want to reach the final but Leicester have the same idea.
“To win a trophy in England is always very tough. Before you win a trophy and play a final you have to face strong teams.”
