Antonio Conte has defended Tiemoue Bakayoko’s performance in Chelsea’s defeat to West Ham and explained why he opted to substitute the summer signing at half-time.
With the home side having taken an early lead through Marko Arnautovic, the Blues were forced to try and break down a stubborn and incredibly deep Hammers defence.
As such, Conte felt he needed to remove a more defensive-minded player to bring on someone – winger Pedro – who could unlock the defence, though was generally happy with Bakayoko’s display – unlike Chelsea’s fans!
Speaking after the match, he explained: ‘It was a tactical decision because I think Bakayoko was playing a good game.
‘But when you find 11 players behind the ball and you are losing 1-0 it is important to change something to find a different solution.
‘In this case Pedro has different characteristics to Bakayoko. He’s better one-v-one, he’s a more technical player.
‘To lose a physical player it wasn’t important after the first half. But it was only a tactical decision. The player satisfied me with his performance.’
West Ham’s victory means Chelsea remain 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and Conte conceded his side’s title challenge is now over.
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