Chelsea FC vs Burnley - Conte does not want sympathy over squad size
Posted Wednesday, August 16, 2017 by PA
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte insisted on Friday he was "not looking for sympathy" over the size of his squad.
The Italian led the Blues from 10th the previous campaign to the Premier League trophy last season.
But with a return to the Champions League resulting in additional fixtures, the Blues' squad size appears thin.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had an answer, pointing to Chelsea sending numerous players out on loan, while former England captain turned pundit Alan Shearer said there was "something brewing which isn't nice" at Stamford Bridge.
Conte said: "I'm not looking for sympathy of any coaches for this situation. This is my message.
"The situation is clear. If the club decide to send on loan players for their development it's because these players are not ready to play for Chelsea."
Conte kept his counsel on Chelsea's transfer business, with the summer window open until August 31.
Conte said: "It's simple. I think I'm the coach of this team. My aim is to try to improve my players, to try to improve my team.
"I repeat: my only task is to focus on the pitch, what happens on the pitch, during the training session to work with my players. This must be my focus during this period.
"The club knows very well what is my opinion. And then I repeat: the club is trying to do their best on the transfer market."
The Premier League champions' campaign opens against Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Conte added: "We are facing different problems. But we must be ready, we must be ready to try to do our best tomorrow."
One of the issues is that striker Diego Costa, last season's top scorer, remains in exile.
Conte was unable to offer an update on his situation.
"No news," Conte added.
Conte was asked when Costa might return to Chelsea.
A Chelsea spokesman intervened, saying: "Nothing to report on that."
Striker Alvaro Morata was signed from Real Madrid for a reported fee rising to B£70million and could make his Premier League debut against the Clarets.
An ankle knock sustained by Pedro in the Community Shield penalty shoot-out loss to Arsenal could mean Morata will start alongside Michy Batshuayi, who scored the decisive goal in Chelsea's title success at West Brom in May.
Wing-back Victor Moses is suspended so Conte must make at least two changes to the side which started against Arsenalin the Community Shield, with playmaker Eden Hazard (broken ankle) and midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko (knee) both still out.
Antonio Rudiger could come in for Moses, with Cesar Azpilicueta pushing forwards to right wing-back.
Meanwhile, Jon Walters has seen enough of his new club Burnley to be sure there will be no case of 'second season syndrome' at Turf Moor.
The Republic of Ireland international joined the Clarets this summer after seven years of relative Premier League security at Stoke and is hoping to help bring similar stability.
Sean Dyche's side finished six points and two places clear of the relegation zone in their first campaign back in the top tier but remain among the bookmakers' relegation favourites.
They would not be the first team to over-achieve following promotion only to slip back at the next attempt but Walters has no concerns on that score.
"A big danger for clubs coming up is that second season syndrome, and you don't want to fall into that category," he said.
"You get comfortable, think you've done it after a year - I don't think we'll let that happen here.
"With the players and the characters we have in the building we won't let it.
"It's a grounded group of boys and that helps, there's no egos in the building. It wouldn't be allowed here."
Burnley start their season with one of the toughest possible assignments, away to defending champions Chelsea.
They had already lost last year's star performer Michael Keane to Everton when Watford came calling for key striker Andre Gray, but Walters sees opportunity where others find adversity.
"It's a tough start to the season but bring it on, it could be a good time to play them," he said of Chelsea.
"They may not have gelled, might have players coming back from internationals, a few injuries or suspensions. Maybe we can cause a few surprises."
Keane's place in defence is expected to go to James Tarkowski, while Walters will slot into the forward line.
Jack Cork is also pencilled in for a debut in midfield but Phil Bardsley is not fully match fit and may be made to wait.
- Tag:
- Chelsea FC
- Burnley
- EPL
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