Thursday 5 December 2019 09:46, UK
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says he is not worried about the depth of his squad in the final few weeks of the transfer market following a 3-2 defeat by Burnley.
Champions Chelsea saw both Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas dismissed at Stamford Bridge, and despite a second-half fightback could not grab a point.
Some have argued that Chelsea's squad is weaker than at the end of last season after John Terry's departure, Nemanja Matic's sale and Diego Costa's impending exit, but Conte is not concerned.
When asked about the transfer market, Conte told Sky Sports: "I think that we must be focused to work very hard, to continue to work, with these players.
"For the transfer market the club is trying to do their best, I am not worried, I am ready to fight with these players."
Referee Craig Pawson was heavily criticised by both Chelsea players and fans during the game for the two red card decisions, and Conte joked that he will prepare his side to go down to 10 men for the next game.
"[Cahill's early sending off] was a key moment, because to play the rest of the game with 10 men, and then with nine men, is not easy. But in the last three games we end the game with 10 men or less.
Conte then joked: "I think I will have to adapt a new system to play with nine men or 10 men for the next game, to anticipate this situation!"
Alvaro Morata started on the bench for Chelsea with question marks over his fitness, but having been substituted on to score and provide one assist, Conte was pleased for the Spaniard.
"For us, he is very important, to find a good physical condition too, and to adapt himself to our philosophy, it is important.
"I am pleased for him because he played with the right intensity, and played a good game, now for sure he has to continue to work with all the rest of the players."
If you are using skysports.com you can comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.
