Following what was an FA Cup tie lacking in any real passion and excitement, a tie that ended all-square and stuck a replay in Chelsea`s already busy fixture schedule, both managers spoke to the media.
Antonio Conte, who chose to rotate his squad by resting the likes of Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Moses, Alonso, Kante and Hazard, was left to rue the result, remarking to the BBC
‘It’s a bit frustrating. We knew the difficulty of the game. When you play away in this competition it’s not easy. It was a pity, but great commitment from our players. We tried to win the game but we must accept the final result.
‘In the first half we had difficulty to attack but in the second half we created chances to score.
‘We have to play another game – the schedule is busy.
‘Norwich deserve to have another game. For us it’s not simple to add another game in the schedule.
‘These are the rules though.’
Before further adding in an interview with BeIn Sport:
‘There is disappointment for the final result, we wanted to win, but I think the game was very tough. Now we have to play another game at Stamford Bridge and Norwich deserved this opportunity, another chance.
“For us it is a small problem as we have to play another game when the schedule ins very busy.
“When you play in this trophy you know it is very difficult, but today the commitment of my players was very good.
“Maybe in the first half we could be better. We tried to win, but they defended very well and the result was very fair.”
Before further adding about the additional fixture in an already crowded period,
“Our target was to win the game and to try to avoid to repeat the game. The schedule is very busy, we have to play two games in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal, but these are the rules and we have to respect that.’
As for the Norwich manager, Daniel Farke, he had this to say,
‘To be honest I’m a bit disappointed it was not a win for us. We had an outstanding game and in the first half we dominated, and didn’t give a chance away.
‘It was pretty close to a celebrating day, so I praise my lads but we are a bit sad that we didn’t win. It was important to be good in possession, especially against a good possession team like Chelsea.
‘A replay is a good thing for the club, maybe it doesn’t help us for the league but I’m a big believer in the cup. Today it was a bigger chance to beat Chelsea than in the away game, but we will try everything.’
Hopefully, Chelsea can put the tie to bed in much better fashion in the replay.
Share this article
