Ahead of Chelsea`s visit to Azerbaijan on Wednesday Antonio Conte has been giving his thoughts about the importance of the game. Victory over Qarabag will see the Blues progress to the knockout stage of the Champions League, called the round of sixteen.
Last time out in the competition Chelsea were unimpressive in the 3-0 defeat by Roma, Speaking to the Chelsea Website Conte knows they have to be better this time round,
`’We have to play the most important game of the season from the start until now. If we are able to win against Qarabag, we can go through to the next round of the Champions League and this is very important because this period from now until January is very busy, so it is very important to win the game.`
He also knows Qarabag may not be the pushovers they were at Stamford Bridge in matchday one, when Chelsea ran out 6-0 winners.
`For sure it won`t be easy because in the last two games they drew twice against Atletico Madrid, and before that they lost the game but Roma were struggling a lot to win against them so it is very important to be focused, to work and to try to win the game.`
Despite injury issues, Chelsea have maintained a good start to their Premier League title defence. With the injury list shrinking, and Alvaro Morata excelling in his first season with the Blues, the only downside for Conte has been seeing his side conceded so many goals.
`I think this season, we faced a lot of problems from the start and now we are trying to solve these problems, to recall players, to find the right form for players like, for example, Eden and it is the same for Morata who is playing his first season in England.`
‘Then Kante is recovering good form and we know very well the importance of these players for us. We had a lot of problems and also we are trying to change something in the tactical aspect and to find different solutions, because when you are conceding many goals, it means you have to find a new balance.`
Conte certainly appears to getting the formation right now and the last two games have seen Thibaut Courtois keep clean sheets.
The one issue that has to be addressed is Conte`s relationship with David Luiz. With a very busy schedule coming up, the coach, while being impressed with Andreas Christensen, stressed the whole squad will be needed,
`In every game I have to try to make the best decision for the team and I think in this situation, Christensen deserves to play.`
No mention of Luiz there, but a tiny glimmer of hope for the Brazilian as Conte finished the interview.
`Christensen is playing very well, but we have to play a lot of games – we play every three days – and I need all the players.`
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