Antonio Conte has urged Chelsea’s players not to forget the difficulties of last season as they attempt to move forward during the current campaign.
The Blues began last season as champions but a disastrous run of form saw the club finish in tenth place, which represents the worst finish achieved during Roman Abramovich’s tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Conte was appointed to help reclaim Chelsea’s place at Europe’s top table and has made a promising start, leading the club to a tally of nine points from their opening three Premier League games.
However, although Chelsea’s early season form has pushed last year’s disappointment to the back of supporters’ minds, Conte is adamant it is crucial his players learn from the experience.
“It’s important to keep the last season in our mind,” he told the club’s official website.
“When there is a difficult situation it is important to look behind to find new strength to go forward.
“We have started the season in the right way. I think we must go step by step, to face every game with the right intensity, the right concentration and the right focus,” he added.
Chelsea are one of just three sides to go into the international break with an unblemished record after dispatching Burnley courtesy of a 3-1 scoreline on Saturday afternoon.
Conte’s attack grabbed the headlines but the 46-year-old was also keen to praise his defence for claiming their first clean sheet of the season.
“I’m pleased to score the goals, it’s always important to score one more goal than your opponent, but to keep a clean sheet is also important for the confidence of the whole team.”
“When you keep a clean sheet, the whole team works very well, not only the defenders. When we concede a goal, all of the team concedes a goal.”
Chelsea’s next game is against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday September 11.
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