Football
Paul Murphy 7y

Chelsea out to avoid Jose Mourinho fate in title defence - Antonio Conte

SINGAPORE -- Chelsea manager Antonio Conte admits he wants to avoid suffering the same fate as Jose Mourinho, whose Chelsea side slumped dramatically after they won the Premier League in 2015.

After the Blues lost 2-1 to Inter Milan in the final match of their Asian tour in Singapore on Saturday, Conte explained that he wanted to learn from Mourinho's disastrous campaign in 2015-16 when the Portuguese boss was dismissed with the team sitting just above the relegation zone in December.

"We know that it will be difficult next season, and we want to avoid the previous season [after winning the league]," said Conte. "Two years ago, the team finished 10th place in the league and we want to avoid this.

"Two coaches were sacked from Chelsea after they won the league. I want to avoid, and the players want to avoid, the last season with Mourinho."

New £60 million striker Alvaro Morata was given his first start against Inter but struggled to make an impression and was replaced in the second half.

"Morata is starting now and he has to improve his condition a lot," said Conte. "He is working very well and has been with us only five days. Today, he tried to do his best, but for sure, he has to improve."

Michy Batshuayi started in attack again but a Morata-Batshuayi partnership seems to have been one of convenience. When asked if the two might form a strike partnership, Conte said: "Now, it is necessary because we don't have other players."

Conte admits the tight schedule has been tough on his players, but he insists the experience in Singapore made a very positive impression.

"We played against two strong teams in Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in a very important period for us because we are working very hard," he said. "But to play three games with the same players means we are tired, very tired.

"We must be pleased about the atmosphere and our fans because to find so many Chelsea fans in China and Singapore is great and I think this is big responsibility for us. We have a lot of supporters all over the world and in Singapore there was a fantastic atmosphere.

"I want to thank all of our fans because they were fantastic. We saw a lot of fans at the hotel, waiting for the players' autographs and photos. I think this is a big responsibility for us.

The future of Nemanja Matic remains uncertain and Conte brushed aside a question on the matter.

"I know nothing about this," said Conte. "You have to ask the club."

On a lighter note, Conte was asked for his thoughts on the incredible long-range own goal that Geoffrey Kondogbia scored in Chelsea's favour.

"It can happen," said Conte. "People who play football know very well that this kind of thing can happen."

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