UK Edition
Antonio Conte: Let's make a great season fantastic by winning the FA Cup
Antonio Conte hailed a “great” season for his Premier League title winners and then told his Chelsea players to make it “fantastic” by adding the FA Cup.
Substitute Michy Batshuayi was Chelsea’s unlikely hero, as he scored the 82nd-minute goal that clinched the title for Conte’s team at West Bromwich Albion.
Conte was thrown into the air in celebration by his squad and drenched by a bucket of water and bottles of Champagne as he entered the dressing-room to scenes of jubilation and a semi-naked Diego Costa.
Costa and David Luiz then stormed Conte’s post-match press conference to drag their head coach back on to the team bus to re-join the party.
Just minutes after securing the Premier League title in his first season in England, Conte made it clear that he now wants to complete the double by beating Arsenal in the FA Cup final.
“We were not lucky, we did a great job,” said Conte. “It is a great season, but to be a fantastic season we have to win the FA Cup.”
On the celebrations, Conte added: “When you put a lot of enthusiasm and passion and hours into your work, a lot of time not sleeping for your work, it's right to celebrate and enjoy a moment like this. Enjoy it with the fans, the staff, with the club. It's great. This is a dream come true. For sure, it's a dream.
“They waited for me after the celebrations with the fans, and put Champagne and beer on me. I think I have to change my suit because my suit is a disaster now. I'm wearing the tracksuit, but I think I'm living a moment very important. I'm enjoying this moment a lot.
“This is for my players. I have to say thanks for their commitment, their attitude and passion, and their will to do something great this season.
“Now, after this win, I think that we must be happy for all the season. This win is for the players. They deserved this for their great commitment through all the season. We won this title together. We fought a lot to win this title. My players were fantastic in a club who supported us. We won this title together.”
On his decision to send on Batshuayi, who had only previously scored one Premier League goal, and Willian in place of Pedro and Eden Hazard, Conte said: “I thought that Hazard and Pedro were tired and we needed more energy. Michy paid me a lot with this change! It was great. It wasn't easy for me to arrive in England and try different habits, a different language and inherit players after a bad season.”
Having netted the title-winning goal after being on the pitch for just six minutes, Batshuayi said: “It’s the best moment in my football career. It's good. Everybody is happy. This is the best day for Chelsea. I want the trophy today. This is the best moment in my footballing life, for sure.”
The Premier League winners’ medal is Gary Cahill’s sixth with Chelsea and the England international believes the latest success should silence the club’s critics.
“You have to cherish these moments, you work so hard all season to be where we are,” said Cahill. “Consistently we have been the best team in the League. There is no better feeling in football.
“People have written us off as a team and individually, and this has shut them up. We are champions. It's another one in the cabinet.”
Luiz added: “I am happy. Very happy. It is my first Premier League title. When I decided to come back here I dreamed to win the Premier League. I am very happy because my dream came true.”
Asked about Conte, Luiz said: “He likes to work, works with passion every day I am happy for him. He deserves it because he is working hard every day. I need bed and to sleep.”