Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has claimed that winning the FA Cup this season is a more difficult task than it was last season.
The Blues face Southampton today at Wembley in the semi-final, and if they win they will face Manchester United in the final after their former manager Jose Mourinho’s side defeated Spurs 2-1 yesterday.
Conte’s side played Arsenal in the final last year and were massive favourites going into the game. However, the Blues were punished for a lacklustre display by Arsene Wenger’s men who ran out 2-1 winners.
Speaking in the build up to today’s game Chelsea’s Italian coach said:
“I must be honest: last season, we missed a great chance to win the FA Cup,”
“This season, if we can win against Southampton and reach the final, it would be more difficult against Tottenham or United.”
“Last season we were in the best condition to try to go and win the FA Cup, and we missed that chance. It was our fault.”
“I remember that some refereeing decisions were not good.”
“But, despite this, we were able to equalise only to concede a goal at the last with our mistake.”
“Arsenal did a great job to win the FA Cup but we could have done better.”
“At that moment we were stronger than them.”
“This season, it would be more difficult to win it.”