Giroud backed as Chelsea boss turns thoughts to Barcelona

Antonio Conte was happy with Chelsea’s performance as the Blues secured a narrow 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.

Willian’s fifth goal in five games and an own goal from Martin Kelly put the Blues into a 2-0 half-time lead, but Palace gave their hosts plenty of cause for concern ahead of their Champions League showdown with LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

Palace striker Alexander Sorloth hit the post after 47 minutes and had a late strike ruled out before Patrick van Aanholt netted against his former club in the 90th minute.

The Blues, who had had chances to kill the game off, most notably when Olivier Giroud also struck a post, held on.

Reflecting on the result, Conte told BT Sports:  “I think that we created a lot of chances to score a lot of goals today. We conceded 2-1 at the end and there’s a bit of pressure but did well to keep the ball high up the pitch way from our box.

“I think we deserved to win, we played a good game, especially in the first half against a good Crystal Palace. They are a good team fighting a lot to avoid relegation.”

Conte admits Chelsea may need to be more clinical when they face Barcelona and said of their missed opportunities: “We tried to finish the game, but I think that their goalkeeper made good saves and we hit the post. For sure when you have so many chances it is important to be clinical, but we must be pleased with the performance of the team and prepare for Barcelona.”

The Blues boss was then asked about Giroud’s failure to score, but the Italian was happy with what he saw from the Frenchman.

“I think Olivier was unlucky,” he insisted. “He had wwo clear chances to score, he hit the post and another was a deflection by the defender, but his commitment was good for the team and we have to continue in this way.”

Thoughts now turn to the clash with Barcelona in the Nou Camp and Conte concluded: “We have to prepare for that game in the right ways, they are a strong team, the game will be totally different compared to today but we have three days to decide with the players the right plan.”

 

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