Conte on Terry, Pedro and Oscar’s role, Southampton’s tactics and the latest injury news
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte answered questions on a range of subjects at his pre-match media conference. Here’s some of what he had to say ahead of Sunday’s trip to Southampton.
On Chelsea’s injuries
“Cesc Fabregas is not available but Branislav Ivanovic has fully recovered. We have all the [other] players available. I have to take the best decision for the starting XI.”
On the West Ham defeat
“I think that we played a good game with a good intensity against a tough team, because West Ham played with the same players that play in the Premier League.
“For me, we started very well. Then we conceded the goal which changed a bit the situation. I saw a good reaction from my players, a good spirit, because until the end we played to avoid losing the game.
“We had different chances to score the goals, [and] we scored at the end. But I saw positive things and things that, sure, we can improve.
“I saw a lot of things that can be useful for our future. For example, I saw Pedro as wing-back and Oscar in the two in midfield, and in the position like a striker.
“I think I had a positive answer and I want to use this answer in the Premier League in the future. Now I have more solutions because I tested this.
“We wanted to win and to continue in the cup but it didn’t happen. On Sunday we have another tough game and it’s important our head must stay concentrated for this game.”
On whether his confidence in 3-4-3 was shaken by the defeat
“It’s not a win or a defeat that can change my ideas or the confidence of the players. After two defeats against Arsenal and Liverpool, in the future must we never play with 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, if it’s a problem with the system?
“I think this is the right way for the players – it’s a good fit for the team, this system. I think we’ve found a good balance, and also we have a good offensive situation because in every game we have scored a goal.
“For sure, we must continue to work on offensive situations, with the movement, and also in defensive situations because it’s different when you defend with the four and when you defend with three defenders.
“I saw a lot of positive things [against West Ham] and I want to continue on this aspect. We are working very hard to improve.”
On John Terry’s display
“I don’t like to talk about individual players for their performance – we win together and we lose together in every circumstance.
“John came back from injury and it’s not easy to start and find quickly the right shape but I’m satisfied for him and for the team.
“John is an important player for us – if he plays, if he doesn’t play – for the changing room and his team-mates and for the club. I have always to take the best decision for the team and never for an individual player.”
On the battle at the top of the table
“This league is very difficult because every game anything can happen. You can win or lose, if you don’t stay focused and don’t prepare in the right way. For this reason it’s important to give continuity in the performance, to trust in the work.
“Now, there are five teams very close but we shouldn’t look at the table. We must be concentrated, focused on the work on the pitch and to see game by game and step by step, because it’s too early to talk about the table or the race for the title.
“It’s important to improve game by game and to continue to trust in the work. These are the most important things now, not the table.”
On Southampton
“Southampton are a very good team, very strong. I like [Claude] Puel because his team plays offensive football. In the last game they played very good against City, created many chances – also, I saw that they are more compact in defensive situations.
“I saw that they attack with many players and sometimes they remain with three players in offensive situations when they are without the ball. We must pay great attention in this situation, but we are working on this aspect.
“It’s important if you want to win to look at the details, and to prepare our team. It’s important to prepare your players.
“They’re a very good team and I’m sure on Sunday they will be a good test for us after three good games [against Hull, Leicester and Manchester United]. But this team, this test, is different – you play away against a team in a good shape. For our ambitions, it’s very important.”
On the crowd trouble at the London Stadium
“When this situation happens it’s never good. It’s possible to ask why this type of situation [happened] in England. I always admired the atmosphere in the English league. It’s a pity and, like me, the players would prefer that situation didn’t happen.”
