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Conte wants Blues to be more ruthless

SECOND ROUND

CHELSEA 3

(Michy Batshuayi 29, 41, 
Victor Moses 31)

BRISTOL ROVERS 2

(Peter Hartley 32, 
Ellis Harrison 49)

Develop a ruthless mentality to kill games and not invite pressure from their opposition.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was far from happy after watching his side endure a tense finale in their 3-2 League Cup second-round win over third-tier Bristol Rovers yesterday morning (Singapore time).

Two goals from Michy Batshuayi (above, left) helped Chelsea a 3-1 lead at the interval, but Ellis Harrison's penalty early in the second half for Rovers ensured a nervous finish for the Premier League side.

"We knew that we would have to work very hard. I knew the atmosphere around this cup and could tell this game would be very hard," Conte said.

"It's a pity because we were dominating this game and then we suffered. We created a lot of chances in the first half to score many goals.

"I don't like when you concede two goals at a free-kick and a penalty. When you have the opportunity to kill the game, you must kill the game.

"We must improve at crosses and feel the danger in every circumstance. In England, a corner or free-kick can be a great chance to concede a goal."

Rovers boss Darrell Clarke was proud of his underdogs.

"We rode our luck at times, but we had a right good go and Chelsea brought on some of their big hitters. They're a fantastic team and deserved to win," Clarke said.

Meanwhile, Conte insists only John Terry and Sam Allardyce can decide whether the Chelsea captain should end his self-imposed England exile.

Terry retired from international football in 2012 but, Allardyce, who names his first England squad on Sunday, has indicated he may speak with the 35-year-old defender over the possibility of a return.

"I'm a former international team coach so I know this situation and prefer it to be solved between Sam Allardyce and John Terry. That's the right way," former Italy boss Conte said.

"John Terry has a great attitude during training and is working very hard. I'm very happy with his commitment."

Ola Aina limped off in the second half and Conte, who is hoping to sign another defender before the transfer window closes, is concerned that his resources could be stretched ahead of Saturday's clash with Burnley. - Wire Services.

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