Chelsea double over Manchester United would not make season successful, says Antonio Conte

Simon Johnson25 February 2018

Antonio Conte insists doing the League double over Manchester United will not make Chelsea’s season a success.

Conte has the opportunity to achieve the rare feat having secured a 1-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge back in November.

But the Italian said: “I consider it a bigger achievement if we are able to win something at the end of the season.

“If you are happy because you only beat one big team in one game, it means your mentality is very little. You don't have a great mentality.

“A bigger achievement for us would be if we are able to win something, to be able to take the target that you started with at the beginning of the season in your mind.

“This is a massive game and, for sure, if we win we are happy. But then there are another 10 games to go and we have to enjoy the moment, winning, but at the same time understand the season is very long.”

Chelsea go into the match following an impressive display against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Many experts expected the La Liga leaders to win the first leg of their last 16 tie comfortably, but they were fortunate to secure a 1-1 draw.

Chelsea’s performance was a complete contrast to the humiliating defeats a few weeks before against Bournemouth and Watford.

Conte feels Chelsea have set the standard they must stick to and said: “I think this (Barcelona) performance can bring great confidence but, at the same time, this performance can bring you to think that, if we are ready to work very hard as a team, it's very difficult to play against us. That's the great 'teachment' (lesson) from this game.

“You have to start the game with only one target in your minds, in your heads: trying to get three points. This is very important for the mentality.

“If you have a winning mentality, you try to reach only one result. To try and win. Then, during the game, a lot of situations can happen.

“A draw might be a good result, but only after you tried to win. Last season we lost the game. We must pay attention because they are a fantastic team with fantastic players.”

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