Antonio Conte felt the wrath of Chelsea fans before kick off this afternoon after leaving £33m summer signing Michy Batshuayi out of his starting line-up, despite Diego Costa’s suspension .
Pedro played as a false number nine for the Blues, and the decision paid off for Conte, with the Spaniard playing a part in two goals in the victory over Bournemouth .
But frustration over Batshuayi’s playing time remains, leaving many to ponder whether the centre forward could agree a loan deal in January.
Conte, though, has rubbished such speculation, insisting the 23-year-old is a key player in the senior squad, repeatedly saying ‘no’ when asked if he would leave next month.
The Italian coach says it would be a “defeat” for him as head coach if the striker is permitted to make a temporary move.
“This player is a new player for Chelsea and to go on loan now is a defeat for the club and above all for me,” Conte said.
“We have to continue to work with him every day to try together to improve him.
“I want to win and every decision I make is because I want to win and I have to take the best decision.
“Michy Batshuayi is a really good player, but he’s a young player and he’s trying to adapt to this league, this football.
“I try to make the best decision for the team, but I’m sure Michy could be the possibility to show his talent in the future.”
