- Antonio Conte was proud of his players despite the defeat at Stamford Bridge
- Italian cited heavy work load of three games in a week taking their toll
- He said: ‘If you’re tired, it’s not simple to go box to box, we created chances’
- On Alvaro Morata’s he added: ‘It is his hamstring but we don’t know how serious’
Despite the 1-0 home defeat by Manchester City, Chelsea can hold their heads up high, according to Antonio Conte.
The Blues were outplayed by Pep Guardiola’s side for large parts of the match but Conte believes there were mitigating circumstances.
Chelsea lost star striker Alvaro Morata to a hamstring injury in the 35th minute and manager Antonio Conte hinted that his team did not have enough time to recover from their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid in Spain last Wednesday.
Antonio Conte was satisfied with the effort of his players in the defeat at Stamford Bridge
Alvaro Morata has been brilliant for Chelsea but had to go off with a hamstring niggle
Conte said: ‘We knew it was going to be tough against City but we gave everything and I’m happy with the commitment of the players. They had the will to fight against a very strong team.
‘In this type of game you need time to recover. If you’re tired, it’s not simple to go box to box. We created chances but we didn’t take them.
‘Manchester City had chances and they took them.
Conte isn’t sure how serious the injury to Morata’s hamstring is but is hoping for the best
‘It is logical when you play three games in seven days that you risk something.
‘I hope it is not a serious injury for Morata. It is his hamstring but we don’t know how serious yet.’
The Italian will be desperately hoping his Spanish striker can make a rapid recovery having started the campaign on fine form.