Antonio Conte: We need to win every game to catch Man City
Today the Blues go to West Brom, where the title was secured in May in Conte’s first season as boss, with a deficit of nine points to Pep Guardiola’s City after 11 games.
Conte said: “Now Manchester City is playing very well. If you want to try to catch them, you have to win every game. If you want to try to fight for the title, it’s very important to win and not to drop points.”
Conte spoke of City’s summer strengthening, which some will suggest was a renewed expression of frustration at Chelsea’s own transfer market.
Asked about City’s summer recruitment, the Italian said: “I was worried because they were working very well in all aspects. Not only on the pitch, but off it as well.
“They can fight to win everything.”
Chelsea’s title triumph was built on a 13-league game winning run last autumn, with the form of defender David Luiz key to the success.
Luiz was omitted from the squad for the 1-0 defeat to Jose Mourinho’s United prior to the international break, but the Brazilian is back in contention.
“Yes, David Luiz is in the squad,” Conte said.
“When it’s a technical decision, every single player has to react well and to accept my decision. It’s normal, this.”
Conte was reluctant to speak about his decision to drop Luiz or any possible breakdown in relations ahead of another crucial week, with matches at Qarabag and Liverpool following the West Brom trip.
He added: “All players must be ready to play.”
He was prepared to talk of the benefits of Andreas Christensen’s presence in the squad.
Denmark international Christensen slotted in seamlessly for Luiz against United and has the same ball-playing qualities after spending two seasons on loan in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach.
“Christensen is showing to be an important player for us,” Conte added. “He’s playing with great maturity.”
Conte left the Italy job for Chelsea after Euro 2016, but now the Azzurri have missed out on a World Cup for the first time since 1958 he has been linked with a return. His Chelsea contract runs until June 2019.
Conte, who described it as a “half disaster”, said: “It’s not simple. For the federation it’s right to take the right time, to find the best solution for football in Italy.”
