Tuesday 16 August 2016 11:19, UK
Antonio Conte insists Cesc Fabregas has a future at Chelsea, despite leaving the midfielder on the bench for their 2-1 win over West Ham on Monday Night Football.
Diego Costa's 89th-minute strike ensured Conte made a winning start to life at Chelsea after James Collins had briefly threatened to ruin his first match in England by cancelling out Eden Hazard's penalty.
Fabregas, who was left on the substitutes' bench for the entirety of the match at Stamford Bridge, has been linked in the national press with a move away from Chelsea, with Real Madrid, Juventus and former club Barcelona mooted as potential suitors.
But Chelsea head coach Conte, said: "Cesc is Chelsea's player, and I'm happy about him, with his attitude and behaviour.
"He must know from before that when we are a great team like Chelsea it can happen that I have to take a decision before the game to choose a starting XI.
"That can happen that Fabregas is not in the starting XI, but it can happen for all the players. It's important to see always the right attitude. Because we must fight this season and it's important to stay together in every situation.
"But then the shape can improve and can change all the situations. Now I took this decision but the next game I can change or not.
"When a coach takes this decision there is always a reason but I prefer to keep this to myself.
"But I repeat I don't see any problem and I'm very happy to have these players, to train these players."
Meanwhile, Conte said Chelsea still have room for improvement following their "deserved" victory over the Hammers.
