Antonio Conte has angrily denied suggestions that his team selection for Chelsea’s defeat against Burnley was intended as a message to the club’s board over the need for new signings.
The Blues boss has made it clear he believes arrivals are essential following a number of summer departures from Stamford Bridge.[phone]
[/phone]
Already without Eden Hazard and recent signing Tiemoui Bakayoko, his options were further restricted by Victor Moses being suspended and Pedro being injured, so youngster Jeremie Boga was given a starting place.
Conte objected when asked at his post-match press conference following Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat if his team selection was an attempt to underline the need for money to be spent.
He replied: “Why? Why this question? You were not satisfied with my starting XI?
“You don’t know me very well. You can see in our pre-season and in every friendly game that I have always played the best formation and it was the same here.
“Through my choices I put the best players that we have with this moment. I repeat, I don’t like this type of habit to send a message.
“Why (do) I have to send a message? Why? I wanted to win, not to send a message.”
[related-posts]