Chelsea news: Alvaro Morata blames Antonio Conte's style of play for his struggles last season

After Christmas Morata found the net just three times in 23 appearances, eventually missing out on a place in Spain’s World Cup squad as a result

Sports Staff
Monday 20 August 2018 15:48 BST
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Chelsea 2018/19 Premier League profile

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has blamed Antonio Conte’s “direct” style of football for his inconsistent form last season.

Morata made an immediate impact after joining Chelsea from Juventus for a club record £60m, scoring seven goals in his first seven games for the club.

However after Christmas he found the net just three times in 23 appearances, eventually missing out on a place in Spain’s World Cup squad as a result.

The 25-year-old almost left the club this summer but decided to remain after Maurizio Sarri’s appointment, and opened his account for the season with a goal against Arsenal on Saturday.

Alvaro Morata scored for Chelsea against Arsenal

“For me, it's easy. I could have gone back to Spain or Italy, all the people believe in me there, but I want to change things here,” said Morata.

“I want to, not for all the haters, but for me and for Chelsea. Chelsea gave me everything that I needed and now I have time to give back all that Chelsea give me.

“The most important thing is the way we play. Last season it was direct balls and for me to protect the ball in the air is not my best quality.

“Now I can attack the space, I can play one touch and go in the area for the crosses. It's better for me.”

Morata added that he expects to score more goals under the management of Sarri.

The striker hopes to score more goals this season

“Sarri works with the ball always and when you always have the ball the strikers have more chances,” he said.

“I want to score more than 30 goals, but I would prefer to score 15 or 20 and get the Premier League or one big trophy.”

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