“We needed to take this risk” – Conte defends tactical gamble

Alvaro Morata had to come off in the first half yesterday, with the Spanish forward feeling his hamstring.
There was a suspicion around the ground that the striker had known about this problem, and his coach had gambled on his fitness.

When Morata came off it was clear that it was not a new problem. He knew that was hurting and so did the physios. Willian was warmed up and ready to come on and knew his role. The departing Morata didn’t even speak to Conte, who clearly had been braced for this eventuality.

The gamble on Morata’s fitness had failed, but when asked about playing the forward in three consecutive games the manager defended his decision:

b:1/twitter-widget-0FollowNizaar Kinsella✔‎@NizaarKinsellaConte on Morata fitness: "It is normal when you play three games in only seven days to consider this aspect but we needed to take this risk"8:18 PM - Sep 30, 201711 Reply1919 Retweets4242 likesTwitter Ads info and privacy

Hindsight is always 20-20, but in the end it was a call that really backfired. Without Morata Chelsea had no shape and they rarely threatened after his first half departure. Conte has got most of his calls right since joining Chelsea, he can’t get them all right.