Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted that his 3-4-3 formation is perfect for the club’s players despite the 2-1 defeat to West Ham United in the EFL Cup in midweek.
The Blues were vulnerable defensively at the start of the campaign, which prompted Conte to switch to playing three at the back, a system with which he has had much success throughout his coaching career.
A side containing several changes faltered against West Ham, but Conte stated that the defeat to the Hammers hasn’t tempted him to consider reverting to playing a back four.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s game against Southampton, Conte said: “It’s not a win or a defeat can change the idea, my idea or the confidence of the players.
“I think it’s the right way for the players. It’s a good fit for the team, this system.”
Chelsea face the Saints away on Sunday, with Conte’s side eager to make an instant return to winning ways.
In addition to making them more assured defensively in the league fixtures in which they have played with three players at the back, Chelsea’s new formation has also helped to bring the best out of the club’s attacking players, in particular Eden Hazard, with the winger having benefited from the fact that he no longer has to track back with as much regularity as he previously did.
Chelsea, who have created 115 chances in the Premier League this campaign, are currently in fourth place in the table, one point adrift of leaders Manchester City.
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