Conte was glad to see his Premier League leaders secure a 1-1 draw at Liverpool. PHOTO/DM.
LONDON, United Kingdom, Feb 1 – Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is pleased that the January transfer window is a thing of the past so he can now focus on coaching the players at his disposal.
The Blues extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points despite only drawing 1-1 with Liverpool on Tuesday night, as Tottenham were held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland and Arsenal suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Watford.
After their match at Anfield where David Luiz’s 24th minute goal was cancelled out by a 57th minute Georginio Wijnaldum goal, Conte was elated with both the result and the fact that he didn’t lose any of his preferred squad of players.
“We have the same players that we play with at the start of the season, we haven’t changed and I am very happy,” Conte told the media.
“The transfer window has closed and now we can keep them in this second part of the season.
“I am happy to work with my players.
“Our market is finished – not buying or selling and I am pleased because now we have a squad and it is important to be focused and concentrated for the second part of the season because this is the part to win the title or a place in the Champions League.”
Chelsea had the opportunity to leave Merseyside with all three points after being awarded a second half penalty, but even though Diego Costa missed with his spot kick, the Italian was satisfied with the result.
“It is not easy to play against Liverpool in this moment after three defeats. It is not easy to play in this atmosphere,” he continued.
“I am very proud of my players for the personality they showed. It is a good point, for sure.
“When you have a good chance with a penalty in the 76th minute then you think you could win and take three points but [Simon] Mignolet made a great save.
“It wasn’t easy to play with the same intensity of Liverpool so we must be pleased. I am pleased for the performance of all the players.”
