Match Preview

Conte Clears Emerson To Play As His Wife Checks-In

|

Antonio Conte has been speaking to the press ahead of tomorrow’s Burnley versus Chelsea clash. The Clarets go into the game as the form team, unbeaten in 6 games, they’ve won their last 5. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea have struggled for form all season.

Antonio Conte confirmed that Emerson will start in place of Marcos Alonso tomorrow night. Alonso had until this evening to contest the FA charge against him following a late challenge on Shane Long in the Southampton game.

‘Tomorrow Emerson will play,’ said the boss. ‘I think he is ready in both the physical and the tactical aspect.’

‘I don’t know if he’s ready to play games every two or three days just yet but tomorrow against Burnley is our focus and for sure, he is ready to play this game.’

Source: Chelsea FC Website

Asked if he thought it would be possible to make the top four, the Italian is taking just one game at a time. Following tomorrow’s game, it’s off to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final against last weekend’s opponents Southampton.

‘We have to try until the end to reach this target [finishing in the top four]. If we want to be realistic, then with five games to go it’s not simple to reduce the gap. But we must have the will to fight until the end and the desire to reach this target.’

‘For sure we have two important games now, against Burnley and then a semi-final against Southampton. To play just a few days after each game is not simple, and it’s not easy to recover our players, but we have to do our best in these two competitions. First in the league and then in the FA Cup on Sunday.’

Source: Chelsea FC Website

Conte was asked about Burnley’s season, they are pushing Arsenal for a place in the Europa League. Victory for Dyche’s side tomorrow will see them leapfrog the Gunners into 6th spot. Conte was full of praise for Dyche.

‘I think it could be a great achievement for Burnley, they are having a fantastic season. To finish in the right position to play in the Europa League next season would be a great achievement for them. They are playing very well and have won their last five games, so we know that it will be a difficult game. We have to pay great attention tomorrow to try and avoid a start like the Southampton game.’

Source: Chelsea FC Website

On a lighter note, Conte’s sullen demeanour was broken by his mobile phone ringing in the middle discussing Marcos Alonso’s possible appeal against his FA charge. It was his wife….

It’s nice to see the manager break into a smile. He is human after all. He has appeared a completely different person to one we all enjoyed crowd surfing during Chelsea’s run to the title last season.

Tomorrow’s game kicks-off at 19:45, we’ll have all the usual matchday offerings.

Share this article

Blue is the Colour