Focus - this was Antonio Conte's message to Chelsea players following the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday April 1. Goals from Zilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke in the first-half cancelled out Cesc Fabregas' opener for the hosts at Stamford Bridge.
Despite fighting hard for the equalizer, the Blues ran out of time as the Eagles flew back to Selhurt Park with three crucial points. And as Conte's men prepare to face Manchester City at the Bridge next Wednesday, the Italian tactician has urged his players to regain his focus. He told a post-match presser:
''We have to play on Wedensday against Manchester City and we all know the strength of this team.
''The most important thing now is to rest and recover well for the match. It’s important to prepare in the right way for the game.
''I think in England there is no tough [game] and then easy game. You saw today against Palace.
''The games will be very tough until the end of the season, it doesn’t matter if it’s City or a team fighting relegation.''
Palace seemed to be in shock after the full-time whistle
UNBELIEVABLE. #CHECRY pic.twitter.com/DPQGihM0Qk
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 1, 2017
Prior to the defeat, Chelsea were enjoying a 10-match winning run at home. And now, their lead has been sliced to just seven points following Spurs' 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.
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