Maurizio Sarri insisted playing without a recognised striker against Liverpool was the right decision.
Sarri started with Eden Hazard as a so-called false nine at Anfield, where the Blues were beaten 2-0.
Chelsea improved after Hazard reverted to his natural role after boss Sarri brought on striker Gonzalo Higuain after Mohamed Salah scored Liverpool’s second goal.
But Sarri said: “I think our solution with Eden as a false nine was the right one.”
Chelsea remain fourth, while Liverpool’s win took them back above Manchester City to the top of the Premier League table.
“Liverpool are one of the best teams in Europe but I think we stayed in the match very well,” Sarri said.
“I think we were a little unlucky with the timing of the second goal and then we were unlucky because we had three goal opportunities – two with Hazard and one with Higuain – and we hit the post for the 35th time this season.
“But I am really very happy with the performance. Probably two or three months ago we would not be able to stay in this kind of match, so I think we are improving.”