Conte hails players after Chelsea triumph

Antonio Conte praised his players after Chelsea’s 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United and explained why he gestured towards the home fans during the second half.

Chelsea crushed former boss Jose Mourinho’s side at Stamford Bridge and moved up to fourth in the Premier League.

It was a satisfying day for current Blues boss Conte, although he felt the need to urge the crowd to get behind his players when the atmosphere faded with the match as good as won.

The fans responded by raising the volume once more and afterwards Conte said: “It was right to call our fans in that moment.”

The Italian added: “I was listening to only Manchester United supporters at 4-0 and I called the fans because I think the players, at 4-0, deserved a great clap.

“It is important for our fans to push every moment of the game. After this performance it is right for the players to receive a great clap from the fans.”

Chelsea were dominant from the start against a United side they punished for an early defensive lapse.

Pedro put them ahead after just 30 seconds when Chris Smalling failed to deal with Marcos Alonso’s routine ball over the top.

Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante later scored to complete a resounding win.

“Obviously I am very delighted with the performance,” said Conte.

“We played very well with good intensity, moved the ball very quickly and created many chances.

“Today is important because this type of game against a very strong team like Manchester United will increase our confidence.

“I see the players every day and they work hard and show the right attitude and for this reason they deserve this kind of win.

“I asked my players to start very strongly and show our desire to win this game.

“We started very well but the most important thing is that we continued to play and continued to try to score.

“Now we must continue. I think this (performance) is the right way but now this game is in the past.”