Conte on Bakayoko, Hazard, Pedro’s setback and facing Spurs

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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was asked about a number of issues at a news conference on Friday ahead of this weekend’s derby against Tottenham. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.

On Cahill and Fabregas being suspended

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“I know the situation. After these two red cards we are preparing very well for this game. We must be focused and try to do our best and don’t find an excuse, just focus on the game.

“It can happen to receive two red cards. But a big club like Chelsea must be prepared for this situation. I am not worried about this.

“For sure at this moment it is not simple. It is not easy. But we must be strong to face this situation. It is very important, don’t find excuses. It is important to continue to work and give 150% and then we can solve this situation.”

On Eden Hazard

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“He is improving but to be fully fit he needs time. We must have patience with him and try to do the best for him.”

On Tiémoué Bakayoko

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“Bakayoko is improving very well. He is not at the top physical condition but he could be in contention for the game because in this moment I don’t have other midfielders available.

“This situation is not easy in this moment. The situation could force me to take a different decision. “

On Pedro’s injury

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“Pedro today has trained with us and he felt pain in his ankle. I don’t know about Pedro, his situation is very difficult. I don’t know if he is available for the bench or not on Sunday.”

On whether he regrets letting Chalobah and Loftus-Cheek leave

“Another question please.”

On Diego Costa publicly criticising Chelsea

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“I prefer to laugh. But I can tell you everyone who works in Chelsea knows very well what happened with him last season. I repeat, it is funny this interview. I am not interested to continue this issue.”

On Tottenham

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“Tottenham is doing a great job. Pochettino is doing a great job and he created a good basis, a good foundation. We must do the same because we don’t have this foundation. We must work and improve to try to do the same.

“I have a great respect for Tottenham. They are doing a fantastic job and for this reason they are challenging for the title. I want to help my club build the same solid foundation because now we don’t have this.”

On revamping the squad

“For this reason this season will be difficult for us. We started another process and lost a lot of strong players. I spoke about John Terry, Mikel and Ivanovic and Drogba. We lost a lot of players in the last few years.

“Also it is right to know that we must have patience to build. We must work hard to improve our squad.

“My task is to work with my players and work my team. This is my task and then I know that the club is working and trying to do their best in the transfer market. I have to focus on the pitch at the end of the transfer market we will see what happens. In both cases I will be very happy.”

On whether David Luiz could play in midfield

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“In the past he played in midfield. I prefer David to play like a central defender. But he is available to play in different positions and it is a pleasure to have a player like this.”

On Chelsea’s current problems

“I am not surprised because I knew very well that this season would be very difficult because last season we won the league and reached the final of the FA Cup and only 13 players played regularly. We were also lucky because we didn’t have injuries.

“The club knows very well the situation. I was very clear. We are ready to fight with all our strength and not make excuses. We must work, work, work.”

On Andreas Christensen

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“I trust Christensen and I have already said that he is a player ready to play for Chelsea and I trust him. Last week he played a good game and showed a great personality. For sure he can improve a lot, he is a young player, but has a good prospect to be a Chelsea player.”

On selecting youngsters

“I used young players in different ways. Chalobah, Ake, Aina Loftus-Cheek. If I have players ready to play for Chelsea I am the first person to be happy. But young players have to grow in the right way otherwise you risk damage to the players and the club.”