Conte defends Bakayoko after taking him off in Chelsea defeat
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte said replacing Tiemoue Bakayoko at half-time in the 1-0 defeat against West Ham was purely tactical.
The French midfielder has been criticised for an inconsistent start to his Blues career since signing in the summer and made way for Pedro as Conte reshuffled the team.
But Conte said: “Bakayoko was playing a good game.”
The Italian added: “When you find 11 players behind the ball and are losing 1-0, Pedro has different characteristics.
“It was only a tactical. The player satisfied me for his performance.”
Chelsea are now 11 points behind leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand which they play against Manchester United on Sunday.
