Antonio Conte reveals what he said to Leo Messi after Barcelona beat Chelsea 3-0, defended Alvaro Morata and his work at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were knocked out of the Champions League, 4-1 on aggregate, after a heavy loss at Camp Nou and at the final whistle he whispered in Messi’s ear for some time.
“It was mainly compliments, because we are talking about a player who continues to make the difference in a very clear way. He can change the result and was decisive over the two legs,” Conte told Mediaset Premium.
Antonio Conte reveals what he said to Leo Messi after Barcelona beat Chelsea 3-0, defended Alvaro Morata and his work at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were knocked out of the Champions League, 4-1 on aggregate, after a heavy loss at Camp Nou and at the final whistle he whispered in Messi’s ear for some time.
“It was mainly compliments, because we are talking about a player who continues to make the difference in a very clear way. He can change the result and was decisive over the two legs,” Conte told Mediaset Premium.
“I think the difference was made also by the fact over two legs, we hit the woodwork four times. Fortune turned its back on us and I don’t think the result was fair tonight, as we created many chances to score, but they were clinical on the counter with three goals.
“They are accustomed to playing the Champions League to the end, whereas for many of my team it’s the first Champions League and we need a lot of experience to compete all the way.”
Conte was asked why he had chosen Olivier Giroud to start rather than Morata, though the answer was evident when the ex-Juventus striker came on and looked utterly lost.
“I see the players every day and I know who is in the best shape, both physically and psychologically. Morata is a young player who in this season had for the first time the opportunity to play regularly from the start, because at Real Madrid and Juventus he was a reserve.
“He has great potential, a long way to go and we are trying to help him develop. He also had this back issue that held up his progress, but I always try to improve the players at my disposal.”
Can Conte save his Chelsea job if he wins the FA Cup this season?
“It’s not an issue of winning a trophy or not. I think the work of a Coach must be judged not on victories, but on the improvement of the squad and the current value of the squad.
“I think this is a team that can grow in terms of quality and experience. We can do better in every aspect. I am not seeking confirmation in victories, I continue my work aware that I am doing good work.”
Conte was asked which team he would be representing the next time he had to speak to the Italian television.
“That’s a very naughty question and I prefer not to answer!”