Conte explains why Chelsea youngsters should still feel motivated

Boss Antonio Conte insists Chelsea’s young players are learning from being part of such a successful squad even if they are not getting the game time they want.

Conte reverted to an almost full strength line-up for Monday’s 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Manchester United on Monday, with Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois, David Luiz, Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante all starting.

It meant youngsters like Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ole Aina, Michy Batshuayi and Nathan Ake – as well as experienced players like John Terry and Asmir Begovic – were omitted.

All had featured in previous rounds, which saw Conte pick a mixed team featuring first-team and fringe players.

“For the young players to stay in the squad of a great team it is always a great motivation,” Conte said.

“Every day I demand and I want to see great motivation from the players. To stay in a great squad like Chelsea is a fantastic opportunity every day to show me that they are improving.

“And don’t forget a lot of young players played in the league in the League Cup and the FA Cup this season.

“We want to try to win and go in the next round and for this reason I try to make the best decision for the team to go into the semi-final and it happened.”