Conte praises Batshuayi after Chelsea win
Antonio Conte hailed Michy Batshuayi after the striker’s two goals helped Chelsea come from behind to beat Watford at Stamford Bridge.
Batshuayi made a big impact after coming on, as did fellow substitute Willian, as the champions fought back to win 4-2.
“Substitutions sometimes work and sometimes it doesn’t,” said Blues boss Conte.
“But I think for every coach it is important to understand the right moment if there is a situation to improve and to change.
“I am pleased for Michy because he scored two goals and his impact was amazing. It was the same with Willian and Davide Zappacosta.”
Batshuayi has struggled at times since his move from Marseille last year and he was particularly poor in the recent defeat against Crystal Palace.
But Conte said: “Don’t forget that Michy is a young player and for him this is his first big experience with a big team. If we compare this season with last season, now he is playing a lot.
“Against Crystal Palace his performance wasn’t good, but the whole team played bad.
“Today the impact was incredible. He must continue in this way, to work, work and work, and to have patience to understand to wait for his moment and then, when he has the chance, to show me he is improving.”
Chelsea, beaten in their previous two league games amid speculation over Conte’s future, made a great start when Pedro put them ahead with a fabulous strike in the 11th minute.
But they again struggled without the injured N’Golo Kante and Watford hit back to lead before Batshuayi equalised and then netted again after Cesar Azpilicueta had put the Blues ahead.
Conte said: “With character and good spirit, we fought and tried to win and I have to praise my players for this because it wasn’t easy. This game was very tough.
“When we were 2-1 down it was a difficult moment – maybe the worst moment for us.
“For us to come back was important. It means these players have great heart and great desire not to accept the situation.”
