Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has made it clear that the Premier League is the prime focus for his squad, especially after their Champions League last-16 draw against Barcelona.
Conte’s Chelsea side wisely avoided Paris Saint-Germain in Monday’s round of 16 draw, the same French team that had eliminated them at this stage for the past two seasons.
Nevertheless, the draw wasn’t any easier, with Barcelona standing between them and the quarter-finals. Despite this challenge, Conte’s attention remains firmly on the Premier League, where an important away fixture against Huddersfield awaits on Tuesday.
The current English champions have had some setbacks, including a 1-0 loss to West Ham on Saturday which extended the gap to 14 points behind league leaders Manchester City.
“Our top priority must be the league, to stay up and fight for a Champions League spot,” said the 48-year-old Italian following the draw against the Catalan giants.
“The league is our focus right now. When it’s time to face Barcelona, then we’ll shift our thoughts accordingly.”
“We need to be realistic — the Premier League is tough. We must approach each match with maximum effort and intensity; otherwise, we risk a disappointing end to the season.”
“I’m not happy about our last defeat. The draw against Barcelona is in February; for now, my mind is on the present. I am a winner, and losing never sits well with me.”
