Chelsea boss Antonio Conte believes Chelsea will feels like “underdogs” to Barcelona when the two clubs meet at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Blues haven’t had a solid standing this season, currently lying fourth place on the league table while the Catalan giants are leading the race by seven points in the La Liga top flight standings, having a tight record of 31-undefeated games under Ernesto Valverde in last weekend’s victory over Eibar.
Their unshakable form makes boss Conte think Barcelona will have the upper hand to move on to the quarter-final of the competition although the 48-year old coach has encouraged his side to deliver a promising result to show the world, they are quality players.
“I think we start this game as underdogs, for sure, because Barcelona – on paper – are favourites to go into the next round.
But, for this reason, I think we must be excited to play this challenge. These two games will be very important to understand which is our level in this competition. I think it’s a work for us, and we’ve worked and prepared well. It won’t be easy.
We are playing against Barcelona. They are having a fantastic season, top of the league and final in the Copa del Rey, and they have the potential to win this cup. But, at the same time, we must be excited to face this type of game. To understand which is our level in the present, and what we have to do to improve in the future.”
Antonio Conte, Evening Standard
Chelsea will be hoping to continue their recent resurgence to top form, winning their last two games in the Premier League and FA Cup. Conte’s side beat West Bromwich Albion 3-0 before securing the 4-0 win over Hull City in the FA Cup. But the game on Tuesday will serve as their biggest test since they got back to their devastating best.
