‘One More’, Conte Tells Chelsea Players Ahead Of Friday Showdown

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has told his players to take one more ‘step’ ahead of the English Premier League clash against West Browmich Albion on Friday night.

The Italian said this after his side’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on Monday, which moved within touching distance of glory.

Chelsea will clinch the Premier League if they win at the Hawthorns, as they are just one win away from the title in Conte’s first season with the Blues.

Tottenham Hotspur’s surprise defeat at West Ham United last week handed Chelsea the advantage.

“To my players my message is now that we need to do another step… On Friday we have a good chance to finish — it won’t be easy but for sure we’re close to a fantastic achievement,” he said.

“For sure now I’m a bit relaxed. This step was big for us, a big win.

“Now we need to do another step. We have the possibility to do this on Friday against West Brom. For sure it won’t be easy, because West Brom is a really good team, a physical team, and we must pay great attention.

“Our worst moment was after the (Manchester) United defeat (last month) because Tottenham were winning. To see your opponent only four points behind was very hard,” he said.

“In that moment my players showed me great commitment to overcome this moment and to try to win the league.

“It’s great to breathe this atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

“It’s great for me, for my players, for the club to see this great atmosphere,” the Italian added.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough were relegated last night following the defeat at Stamford Bridge. They join northeast rivals Sunderland in the Championship next season.