Conte tells Cahill and Morata: ‘Work hard and don’t complain’

Ian Watson

Antonio Conte has told the Chelsea players who have slipped down the pecking order at club and international level to fight to prove they deserve their places.

England defender Gary Cahill and Spain striker Alvaro Morata have found themselves out of Conte’s team of late and were left out of their respective national teams for this month’s friendlies, placing their World Cup hopes in jeopardy.

Former Italy boss Conte said: “My only worry is to try to have the players in the best form for Chelsea. Then there is a national team coach to make the best decision for the country.”

Conte called on Cahill and Morata to earn their places in the Chelsea team first, adding that the Blues had too many issues for Conte to be concerned by the World Cup.

“There is only one way: to work hard and to show you deserve to play,” Conte added.

“I don’t see another way. Don’t complain.

“But it’s important for us to look at our problem. If I have to look at the problems of the national teams, it’s not the right time for me.”