Conte positive despite Chelsea defeat

Antonio Conte insisted he felt positive after Chelsea’s performance at West Ham despite their elimination from the EFL Cup.

The Hammers secured a quarter-final place with a 2-1 victory at the London Stadium.

But Blues boss Conte said: “The performance, for me, was good.

“We knew this type of game would be very difficult against a strong team like West Ham but I think we played a good game with good intensity.

“We created many chances to score and I saw a good spirit in my players, because until the end they tried to change the result.

“I feel that today we were a bit unlucky. It’s a pity. But tonight I saw a lot of positive things.

“I’m optimistic because I saw the right spirit and that is very important.

“You can lose, but I always want to see the right spirit and if you have that spirit you know you can work.”

Conte condemned the crowd trouble which marred the game. Rival fans were involved in violent exchanges in the final minutes.

The Italian said: “I must be honest, I didn’t see the situation because we were playing.

“I don’t like this type of situation. It’s important to always see the right atmosphere – that’s what we’re used to in England and it’s right to maintain that because this country is fantastic in that aspect.”