Sunday 18 March 2018 21:52, UK
Antonio Conte praised the character of his Chelsea players and striker Alvaro Morata after Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final win at Leicester.
The striker ended a 13-game run without a goal with his first since Boxing Day in a 2-1 win secured by Pedro's extra-time header. Chelsea will face Southampton in next month's semi-final.
Conte was pleased after Chelsea lost 3-0 at Barcelona on Wednesday to exit the Champions League, meaning the FA Cup is their last remaining chance of silverware this season.
"We must be pleased for the character we showed in this game against a really good team," Conte said. "After a game in Champions League it wasn't easy for us to play 120 minutes in this way.
"Tonight we fought a lot against Leicester. We showed great desire, great will. For Alvaro, it was very important to score. I'm very pleased with his performance.
"He played a very good game, he showed great character, he showed to be stronger. I think this goal will be very important for the future for us."
"Pedro is another player who puts in every moment everything for the team, if he starts the game or if he comes in during the game. I'm very happy for him. It's great for him and great for the team."
Chelsea succeeded Leicester as Premier League champions last term and also reached the FA Cup final - losing to Arsenal - but the Italian refused to look ahead to a second successive FA Cup final at Wembley.
"Every game is very difficult, it will be very difficult against Southampton," he added. "Last season it was a pity to lose the final, [not] to celebrate the double with the players.
"This season our target is to try to reach the final again. We want to change the final result."
