Morata needs more time to adapt ―Conte

Alvaro Morata enjoyed a fine game against the 'Toffees'.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says club-record signing Alvaro Morata is unlikely to start against Burnley on Saturday as he needs more time to adapt.

Morata joined Chelsea in a £70m move from Real Madrid earlier in the summer but looks set to start life at Stamford Bridge on the bench as manager Conte believes he needs more time to learn the demands of his system.

Conte said, ‘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.’

The Chelsea boss also stated that another of his signings, Antonio Rudiger, ‘could start’ in the Blues opening game of the Premier League season.

‘He’s a good player, strong, good personality, technique.’ The Italian said about the defender.

Despite many football ‘experts’ and pundits questioning Chelsea’s transfer Business this summer, Conte believes his side are entering the new campaign stronger than last year.

‘I am pleased because we are working well with this team and this group of players. I think we are better than last season,’ he added.

‘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.’