We have lost our fear factor- Chelsea manager Antonio Conte laments

macfranc007 November 01, 2017 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Ayomide Oloyede

- Antonio Conte was not happy with his side's heavy defeat to Roma

- Chelsea did not look convincing at all night in game against the Italians

- Their Italian manager has now admitted they have lost their fear factor

After Tuesday night's, October 31 disappointing display in Rome in Italy against Italian side AS Roma, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admits Chelsea are no longer feared by teams.

The Premier League Champions were humbled by a very effective Roma side. Goals from El Shaarawy, who got a brace, and midfielder Perotti ensured all three points for the Italian club.

Stephan El Shaarawy celebrating one of his goals against Chelsea. Source: Mirror

Conte said: “If we think that only because our name is Chelsea, and the opponent have fear of the name Chelsea, this is not the right way.

“We have to find the hunger we showed all last season and, this season, only sometimes.

Conte added: “That was really, really bad. Bad for a team like us. Last season we showed great hunger, great will to do something important. We won the league and did a miracle.

Conte not happy with his team's performance in Rome. Source: Mirror

“But if we want to be competitive this season we have to avoid these ups and downs.”

Chelsea Keeper Thibaut Courtois, who did all he could to keep the score respectable with lot of good saves, said: "We have to fight back against Manchester United on Sunday and show that this was a off-day.

“It’s hard to say what the problem is. Last season in every game I had nothing to do, sometimes 1-2 saves, sometimes 4-5 saves against Man Utd or City.

“This season it is a hard for the team and defence. We have to find that balance. We have to find that mentality of clean sheets and concede chances.

“We have to react Sunday because this was a bad image of ourselves and we don’t want it to happen again.”

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Conte fears N’golo Kante, not risked for this game after a hamstring injury despite training, could also miss Sunday’s showdown against Manchester United.

He went on: "After an important muscular problem, it would be stupid to risk it, so when Kante feels at 100 per cent, he will return to playing."

The loss meant Chelsea have dropped to second place and if they continue on this downward spiral they could miss out on qualification to the round of 16.

Chelsea will quickly have to pick themselves up as they have a thirsty tie against rival Manchester United on Sunday November 5, another loss will make them lose grip of the Manchester clubs in the Premier League.

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