Antonio Conte has angrily denied suggestions that his team selection for Chelsea’s defeat against Burnley was intended as a message to the club’s board over the need for new signings.
The Blues boss has made it clear he believes arrivals are essential following a number of summer departures from Stamford Bridge.
Already without Eden Hazard and recent signing Tiemoui Bakayoko, his options were further restricted by Victor Moses being suspended and Pedro being injured, so youngster Jeremie Boga was given a starting place.
Conte objected when asked at his post-match press conference following Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat if his team selection was an attempt to underline the need for money to be spent.
He replied: “Why? Why this question? You were not satisfied with my starting XI?
“You don’t know me very well. You can see in our pre-season and in every friendly game that I have always played the best formation and it was the same here.
“Through my choices I put the best players that we have with this moment. I repeat, I don’t like this type of habit to send a message.
“Why (do) I have to send a message? Why? I wanted to win, not to send a message.”