Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has explained that leaving Eden Hazard on the bench from the start of the game was all part of the plan against Tottenham yesterday.
The Blues cruised into a terrific 4-2 victory over the Spurs last evening and after both of Willian’s goals were eventually tied up by Harry Kane and Dele Alli respectfully, Conte took on the Belgian and Diego Costa and the game got turned upside down.
Against the possession of play, Eden Hazard found the net to regain Chelsea’s lead for the third time in the game and assisted Nemanja Matic’s screamer goal which was the final nail in the coffin for the Spurs.
“Our plan was this. I tried also to tell our players to stay in the game, because [if] we pass more time [on the clock], it was better for us. Then I decided last 30 minutes to put Eden and Diego in, and then Cesc [Fabregas], because don’t forget Cesc was very important also for us.
I must be pleased because in this game I involved all my players in our idea, in our football. I think it’s very important in this part of the season that everyone, every single player, feels a part of this project.
In this part of the season when you know you have to play three tough games [in a week], you must make strong decisions and take responsibility to make these decisions. It’s not easy to decide to start the game without two important players, Hazard and Diego, but I think you must take this responsibility and you must involve your players in your plan and then take this risk.”
– Antonio Conte, ESPN
The next Premier League game for Chelsea is already on Tuesday evening against Southampton, which is why Conte decided to do work some rotation with his side.
Chelsea will play either Manchester City or Arsenal in the final of the FA Cup, as the two semi-finalists clash tonight at the Wembley Stadium.
