Antonio Conte speaks about Alvaro Morata ahead of the Everton game

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has admitted that summer signing Alvaro Morata is improving a lot in terms of his physical condition.


The Spain international scored on his league debut for Chelsea earlier this month as he came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-2 defeat to Burnley.

Owing to his impressive performance, Conte handed him his first league start against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and he put in a commanding performance, although he missed a glorious opportunity to score in the first period.

Prior to the Everton game, Conte spoke about the positives of his summer signing, who he still believes is adapting to Premier League football, he said: “Morata is improving a lot. Also Bakayoko is working with us for only 10 days. To go into a different style of football is not simple. You have to understand the movement, when you attack the space, whether you stay to receive the ball, there are many situations to understand. Morata is improving a lot in physical condition and is also adapting to the football.”

In the absence of Gary Cahill, Cesc Fabregas (both suspended) and the injured Eden Hazard, the Blues put in a strong performance against Spurs, who succumbed to yet another defeat at the Wembley Stadium. Chelsea host Everton in their next league outing on Sunday, and they will go with a bit of positivity into the game, having not lost at home to the Toffees in their previous 22 outings.

Despite this, Conte admits that his side should pay great attention to the Everton squad which consists of the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wayne Rooney, who could turn the game on their day, he said: “We must pay great attention on Sunday, because this type of game will be difficult for us. It is very important, after a really good win over Tottenham, to continue this way.”

Fabregas is likely to return to the squad following his one-match ban, and he could potentially compete with Tiemoue Bakayoko for a central midfield role alongside N’Golo Kante.