In-form Chelsea have regained hunger – Conte

Antonio Conte believes Chelsea have rediscovered the motivation that was missing from last month’s concerning Champions League defeat to Roma.

The Blues were emphatically brushed aside 3-0 at Stadio Olimpico but can still advance from Group C with three points at Qarabag on Wednesday.

They look to be in far better shape for their latest European engagement following impressive Premier League victories over Manchester United and West Brom.

And Conte is confident the Premier League champions have turned the corner after an indifferent start to the campaign.

“These players and this team have always shown great desire, great will to fight in every game,” Conte told reporters.

“Against Roma, together we did not show this. Me first. I always put myself before the players, to take responsibility.

“For me, we did not deserve to finish the first half 2-0 down, but the second half was negative because we did not show the desire to change the result, to try to draw, to try to win. But I think in every season there are games [like that].

“We had a lot of problems [at the start of the season] and we are also trying to change something in the tactical aspect, to find different solutions.

“When you concede so many goals it means you have to find a new balance and solidity. I hope to continue to improve.”

Go behind the scenes at the Hawthorns today over on our YouTube channel!

https://t.co/eE6YfwejBe pic.twitter.com/t9yejZJLZW

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 18, 2017

Conte maintained his stance that the decision to drop David Luiz is purely “tactical” and is partly due to Andreas Christensen’s form.

“Every game I have to try to make the best decision for the team, and if I am taking this decision it means Christensen is deserving to play,” he said.

“I think Christensen is playing very well but we have to play a lot of games and we have to play every three days.

“We need all the players and to have different solutions [is good]. Last season [at centre-back] I did not have this opportunity.”