Antonio Conte Reveals Why Michy Batshuayi Did Not Start Against Bournemouth
Dec 27, 2016 at 1:37 PM
With Diego Costa doing a fantastic job up front, there is absolutely no question of playing another striker. But when the Spain international was suspended for the Boxing Day match against Bournemouth, it was very much expected that Michy Batshuayi, who was the only available striker, would start in place of Costa. However, the Chelsea boss kept the Belgium international on the bench and opted to use Eden Hazard up front instead.
The absence of a genuine striker did not hamper Chelsea’s performance as they thrashed the Cherries 3-0 to extend their winning run to a club record 12 games. Speaking after the match, Conte explained why he did not start the Belgian who arrived at Stamford Bridge this term for a whopping £33 million but is yet to start a match in the Premier league.
“This is the first time we played without a real forward, we tried this in training and I think for us at the moment this situation is the best, but I don’t forget Michy because he is a young player with great talent,’” Conte said after the 3-0 win.
“He is adapting to this league and it is football, in the future I trust in him,” the former Juventus boss added.
Meanwhile, the Italian tactician also quashed the speculation of loaning out the striker to get some much-needed first team action.
He said: “No, also because I have these players. He is a new player for Chelsea, to go on loan now, is a defeat for the club and for me. Now it is important to be focused to improve.
“I want to win and every decision I make is because I want to win. I have to take the best decision, sometimes it is good, positive or negative but I try to put every player in the best condition,” he added.