Conte on Loftus-Cheek, injuries, defending Bakayoko, Luiz and the futures of Courtois and Willian

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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of the game against Swansea. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.

Conte on the death of former Chelsea youth boss Dermot Drummy

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“Today we had bad news that our former youth-team coach Dermot Drummy died. I want to pass my condolences to his family and friends.

“I think it is of great importance to have this type of figure to work for Chelsea in the academy, to develop young players. This is a big loss. This type of person is a great person who has great value for the club. It’s not easy to work with the young players, not only on the pitch but maybe especially off the pitch.

“We are sorry. This person was very important for this club.”

On the latest injury news

“I can tell you the players not available for tomorrow are David Luiz, with a knee problem, and Musonda. Batshuayi and Kennedy are trying to find their best form to come back 100%.”

On the extent of Luiz’s injury

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“I don’t know. I must be honest, in this moment it’s very difficult for me to answer this question.
“It will be for the doctor to assess the situation and then to take the best decision for the player.”

On Tiémoué Bakayoko

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“Don’t forget that Bakayoko is a player who is very young and for many reasons he has played a lot games.

“I think he needs to improve in the tactical aspect with us and to go into our idea of football, but at the same time I think for a young player to play with us regularly is not simple.

“He is playing well and it’s normal to alternate good performances with less good.

“He’s a young player working very well and I’m very happy with his commitment and his behaviour. He has a lot of space for improvement.”

On whether Willian could become unhappy

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“Why are you asking me about Willian and not Hazard at the start of the season and Pedro in the same situation? Every game I have to make the best decision.

“My players must be happy to stay at Chelsea and play for our fans, if they start the game or stay on the bench and then come on. I think I have clever players who understand and accept the situation.

“Hazard at the start of the season accepted the situation to stay on the bench to find the right form.

“It was the same for Pedro, Willian and other players. When you are in a great team you have to accept this.”

On Thibaut Courtois’ contract situation

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“Thibaut is one of the best goalkeepers in the world – maybe the best. I hope he finds an agreement with the club, but this is the club’s responsibility.

“But I hope Thibaut and the club find an agreement. He’s a really important player for us.”

On rotating his squad

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“The most important thing for us is to have all the players available. This is very important because, in this period, it’s very busy. It will be very important to make the rotation with the players.

“I think November, December and January will be very busy. For this reason, it will be very important to try to rotate the players and to have a good answer from all my players.

“I think to give the opportunity to my players will be very important because in this way we keep the concentration very high. The players that need to rest, they can do.

“If you play every game, you stop to train, and the probability of having an injury is very high. It is important to create a good balance between games and training.”

On Swansea

“Every game in this league is very tough. We must pay great attention tomorrow against Swansea. I remember last season we drew away, and then at home we won 3-1 and played very well, but at the end of the first half it was 1-1.

“We must pay great attention and try to take the three points, but for sure it won’t be easy. You have to face each game with great concentration, great desire, and a great will to fight.”

On whether Tammy Abraham, on loan at Swansea, could be a first-team player at Chelsea next season

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“I think that to talk about this topic now is very, very soon. We are talking about a young player – a really good prospect to become a Chelsea player in the future.

“To go on loan was the best decision for him and for the club. In this way he is playing regularly and that is the right way for his
development.”

On whether he might recall Ruben Loftus-Cheek in January

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“As I said before this is not the right moment to speak about this, during a press conference. It’s important always to have respect for the other team.

“Ruben is another young player with a good prospect, the right prospect to become Chelsea’s player and to play regularly. But I think that now is not the right moment to talk about this topic.”

On Victor Moses

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“Victor Moses is ready. He is in contention for tomorrow’s game, but at the same time I must make the best decision for the team, for every player.

“For sure, Victor is back from a bad injury and he needs a bit of time to find the best physical condition. Victor is an important player for us.”