Antonio Conte reveals why Alvaro Morata is yet to start for Chelsea

Courtesy: Reuters

New Delhi: Alvaro Morata has made three appearances for Chelsea since his record GBP 70 million move from Real Madrid.

Now, the 24-year-old is highly unlikely to start Blues' Premier League title defense campaign opener against Burnley on Saturday as manager Antonio Conte believes that the striker has not adjusted to their style.

Morata came to Stamford Bridge as a replacement for out-of-favour Diego Costa, who has been told he can leave the club.

Last week, Morata came on as a 74th-minute substitute for Michy Batshuayi in the Community Shield penalty shootout defeat to Arsenal at Wembley and Conte said that the former Madrid player is still not ready.

"Alvaro is working well but he needs time to understand and adapt to our style of football, above all because he's a striker. He is starting to understand what I want from him during games," Conte said.

The Italian said that Antonio Rudiger could start against Burnley in place of the suspended Victor Moses.

"He's a good player, strong, good personality, technique," Conte said.

Conte said he believed Chelsea, who have also signed midfielder Tiemoue Bakayako from Monaco, are a stronger side than last season.

"I am pleased because we are working well with this team and this group of players. I think we are better than last season."

"At the start of this season it`s simple to tell that in this league there are six top teams who should be fighting for the title. But you know very well that there are surprises." 

Conte said there was "no news" on Costa, who is expected to leave in the transfer window.