We need to become a family to fight for titles- Conte

We need to become a family to fight for titles- Conte

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes his team must become more cohesive if they are to avoid a repeat of last season’s dismal campaign.

The Blues boss acknowledged that his squad may have been fatigued going into their 3-2 International Champions Cup defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday, but realises the importance of then pre-season US tour for the club’s commercial interests.

“If you want to fight for the title you must be a team inside and outside of the pitch. It’s very important and important to understand this and transfer this thought on to the players. We must become like a family. I think this is the key to switch compared to last season. If we understand this, then we can switch (finish higher in the table), if we don’t understand this it is no good.

“It is not simple. We know that our commercial affairs are important for the club, Not only for Chelsea but for all the clubs around the world, and other clubs are here in the same situation.

“If you ask me if I’m happy to play after only two days and a flight of four-and-half hours, then no, I must be honest. But we know that the pre-season is not only for Chelsea, but for all of the club,” the former Italy boss stated after their loss.

Conte also refused to confirm whether polarising forward Diego Costa will remain with the club for the forthcoming season, saying he’ll make an assessment which players he’ll keep in his squad once their tour is over.

“I’ll speak for today and today Costa is Chelsea’s player. Tomorrow if you ask me if Costa will remain with us, I don’t know.

“Now, all 29 players here are Chelsea’s players. After this period I will speak very clearly with my club. There are players that will stay with us and the others will go away.”

But the Italian singled out Eden Hazard for particular praise after the Belgium came off the bench to score twice inside the final 30 minutes and hinted at the 25-year-old playing a more attacking role if his fitness improves.

“Eden Hazard played 30 minutes and he is recovering a good shape. I liked him in this position — like a forward — I think he can be a good solution for us and also playing as a winger.

“But to play as a second forward he must improve his shape but he is working and he knows that his shape can a lot in the same way as the other players.”

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Antonio Conte chelsea Real Madrid Eden Hazard football Diego Costa International Champions Cup

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