Whether they are on the bench or in the starting eleven, Antonio Conte wants his Chelsea players to share a communal positive attitude.
Chelsea are nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, but that means very little to Antonio Conte. The Blues boss has been preaching about focus and attitude ahead of the Burnley clash.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Conte spoke about the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Willian. The duo have featured heavily off the bench, but they will get a shot in the starting line-up as long as they maintain their positive attitude.
"I have different solutions. The most important thing is that every single player is in good form and they have a good attitude whether they are in the starting 11 or on the bench. – via chelseafc.com"
Conte has used a limited amount of players since switching to a three-man defence. Fabregas and Willian, though, have found themselves on the outside of the starting eleven. They have been brought on frequently, but have thus far failed to earn a prolonged run in the team.
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However, the duo have consistently delivered the goods when called upon. Whether Fabregas has been asked to unlock a defence late in the game, or Willian tasked with running up and down to close out a tight contest, they have stepped up to the plate.
Conte is evidently keen to give them a fair crack of the whip, if for nothing but their attitude. There have been no reports of dissent or whinging from either player. Instead, they have carried on with their football, regardless of it being a 10-minute cameo or the full 90.
This attitude has been central to the Blues’ success. Conte has instilled a palpable team mentality that had evidently deserted the club last season. While some were calling for Conte’s head back in November, his players have rallied around his tactics to literally turn affairs on their head.
Burnley may be a team that Blues fans will expect to comfortably roll over, but that is not what Conte will be saying in the dressing room. Chelsea will attack this fixture with the same vigour as they did against Arsenal. While nine points is objectively a large gap, there is no room for complacency.
Also, rest assured that Fabregas and Willian will be ready to contribute whenever Conte nods at them.