Conte on Rudiger, Emerson’s fitness, Batshuayi, chasing Spurs and Everton fans’ survery
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of the game against Burnley. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
On his team selection for the Burnley game
“Tomorrow you will see my decision about the starting 11. We have two important games we have to play after only two days and a half.
“It is not simple to recover very well but we have to try to do our best in these two competitions.
“We must be focused on the present and don’t look so far.”
On Emerson Palmieri
“Emerson will play. He is ready physically and tactically.
“I don’t know if he will be able to play two games in three days, but the first problem is tomorrow and for sure he will play against Burnley.”
On the battle for Champions League places
“We cannot think about next season because we are struggling a lot in this season. We have to finish in the best position in the league and try to reach the final in the FA Cup now
“We have to try until the end to reach this target [Champions League]. If we want to be realistic, with five games to go it is not simple to reduce the gap but we must have the will to fight and the desire to try to take the target.
“We have an important game against Burnley. They are having a fantastic season and it won’t be easy. We have to avoid what happened against Southampton in the first 60 minutes. We played badly, not only technically and tactically but also in spirit.
“They won the last five games and are in great form. We must pay great attention.”
On Everton asking fans what they think of Sam Allardyce
“The club has to judge the work of the players, the manager and the staff. This (not having a fans’ poll) is the right way.”
On Manchester City
“They have dominated this season. This league is not simple. It is tough to win. The way they did it was incredible. It is right to give them our compliments.
“They did a great job in and out of the pitch. They were very good to prepare in the right way to improve the team and the squad.
“Manchester City is one club that can continue to dominate, to win. Not only in England but to fight for the Champions League. Manchester City has the possibility to do this.
“They are very strong. They have an important squad with great quality and they have a club that wants to invest to improve the situation. There are a lot of things in the right place.”
On Michy Batshuayi’s chances of being fit for the World Cup
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“In this moment I have no idea. I hope for him to recover from this injury.
“I had this type of injury when I was a player and it was two months to recover well.
“But he’s a young and strong player and he can do this recovery in a short time.
“Usually when our players are on loan and when there is an injury, especially a serious injury, they come back to try to recover here with our medical department.
“This happened with other players who have gone on loan and been injured.”
On reports Antonio Rudiger was dropped for appearing to criticise Conte’s tactics
“I think he didn’t say anything wrong. I can confirm it was a technical and tactical decision.
“I have the opportunity, especially with my defenders, to make rotations. And when I have the opportunity, I can do this.”
