Bakayoko yet to adapt to the Premier League, says Antonio Conte

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London, February 10: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has come out of support of his struggling midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, insisting that the French international is still adapting to English football.

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Bakayoko joined Stamford Bridge from Monaco in a £40million deal in the summer tranfer window but the 23-year-old is yet to justify his price tag.

The player was at fault many times this season in crucial games - be it against Liverpool in the Premier League or against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League - costing Chelsea three points.

The player also delivered an awful performance during the 1-4 loss against Watford last week in a game that saw him sent off for two bookings in the space of eight first-half minutes.

And now, while discussing the player's performance so far, the Italian manager has admitted that the player is yet to adapt to the English Premier League.

Conte said: “For sure he is a young player.

“Last season he won the title in France with Monaco, to arrive in this league and adapt very quickly is not simple.

“But my task is to help him, but every single player as well.”

Chelsea have won only two of their last 10 games in all competitions but despite such poor performance and speculations of Conte getting a sack, the Italian has seen a huge round of support from fans.

Conte thanked the Chelsea fans for backing him at this stage, and promised to turn things around.

Conte added: “For sure I have to say thanks to the fans.

“From the start of my experience with Chelsea I am very proud for this.

“They are understanding that I am doing all myself and maybe more for this club.

“I want to tell thanks to the fans. They deserve the best and with my players we are looking to give them the best.”

Chelsea are currently fourth in the league table, just one point adrift of fifth-placed Spurs and this week will face relegation-threatened West Brom Albion in their next fixture.

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At 1.30 am (Tuesday, February 13)