Following today’s clash between Chelsea and Newcastle United, here are the instant reactions from both managers.
Chelsea hosted Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday January 28 for the FA Cup fourth round tie.
The hosts took the lead after Michy Batshuayi found the net in the 34th minute, he completed his brace in the 44th minute before Chelsea tied the game up as Marcos Alonso hit a third with under 20 minutes remaining in the game to book their place in the fifth round.
Teams:
Chelsea:
Caballero, Rudiger, Christensen, Cahill, Zappacosta, Drinkwater, Kante (Ampadu 78), Alonso, Pedro (Hudson-Odoi 81), E Hazard (Barkley 73), Batshuayi.
Substitutes:
Fabregas, Moses, Musonda, Eduardo.
Newcastle:
Darlow, Manquillo (Murphy 77), Mbemba, Lascelles, Clark, Haidara, Hayden (Atsu 83), Saivet, Shelvey, Ritchie, Gayle (Joselu 64).
Substitutes:
Dummett, Diame, Yedlin, Woodman.
Speaking to the BBC’s cameras a short time after match day referee Kevin Friend blew the final whistle, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte explained.
‘We are talking about a powerful player (Batshuayi) because he is strong physically, and for sure he has a lot of space for improvement. I don’t know if it was his best game, but it was very important for the team and for him. For the striker to score is very important for confidence.’
He added.
‘It was a good performance. It wasn’t easy because Newcastle prepared a very defensive game. When the draw faces you with another Premier League team it’s never easy.’
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez in his comparative interview explained.
‘We did well in the first half, had chances, put them under pressure. We made a mistake in the counter-attack for the first goal and after second goal we were unlucky. There is a big difference to play Chelsea at their home and be 2-0 down. I am pleased with the team in the first half and disappointed we lost the game, now we concentrate on the league.’
