Conte tips Morata to build on goal against Leicester

Oli Fisher

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has backed striker Alvaro Morata to kick on after he scored in the Blues’ FA Cup win over Leicester.

Alvaro Morata scored for the first time since Boxing Day to give Chelsea a half-time lead, but Jamie Vardy equalised 14 minutes from time to force the additional periods at the King Power Stadium.

And Pedro headed in as the Blues ended a five-match losing streak away from home to reach the last four, where they were drawn to face Southampton. Manchester United will meet Tottenham in the other semi-final, with the ties to be played on the weekend of April 21-22.

Conte’s Chelsea succeeded Leicester as Premier League champions last term and also reached the FA Cup final, losing to Arsenal.

Now, the Italian has backed Morata to build on his goal.

“As you know very well for a striker it is important to score,” he said.

“For Alvaro it was important to score but I am pleased for his performance.

“He showed great character and to be strong. I think his goal will be very important for the future.”

Conte also reacted to the semi-final draw, insisting Southampton will not be an easy game.

“Easy draw?” he added.

“As you know very well I think when you arrived at this point in the tournament it is easy to consider it easy, but Man City lost to Wigan.

“I think that we must be ready to fight to reach the final and it will be very important for us.

“Southampton has the same idea.”

 

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