Antonio
Conte suggested he is prepared to give Chelsea's youngsters a run in the
Carabao Cup after Wednesday night's rout of Nottingham Forest.
The 5-1 win set up a fourth-round clash at home to Everton, but, despite
facing Premier League opposition, Chelsea could field a similarly youthful
squad.
Conte said: "We are a great club, for this reason, every competition is
important to us. If we answer like this tonight, why not continue to give
the opportunity to these players?"
Michy Batshuayi scored a hat-trick, while Kenedy and the impressive Charly
Musonda were also on target for Chelsea. Tendayi Darikwa scored a late
consolation for Championship Forest.
Eden Hazard delighted on his first start of the season after his broken
ankle, while Conte assessed the Chelsea youth.
Chelsea academy graduates Musonda, Andreas Christensen, Jake Clarke-Salter
and Dujon Sterling featured, while Ethan Ampadu became the first Chelsea
player born this millennium, a week after his 17th birthday.
Conte added: "I have had the possibility to give a chance for the young
players from our academy. I think this is very positive. For sure a good
night for us.
"I hope this type of game, this good performance improves their confidence
and it's important now to continue in this way.
"When I have this type of answer, I'm very happy. I understand every single
player is ready to play."
Conte praised Musonda, whose pace frightened Forest, but says the slight
Belgian has work to do to be ready for the rigours of the Premier League.
The Italian said: "I think Charly played very well. He's trying to work a
lot to improve his physical impact.
"He's a talented player and he has to continue in this way. When there is
the opportunity, the chance, to help us, he must do this."
Kenedy's Blues career looked like it could be coming to an end when he was
sent home from the pre-season tour to Asia following some ill-advised social
media posts on China. He apologised and has been reintegrated into the
squad.
The Brazilian scored Chelsea's first and his first goal since March 2016
when he ghosted behind the Forest defence to meet Antonio Rudiger's cross
with a side-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.
Conte was asked about the pre-season controversy, but side-stepped questions
on it, preferring to focus on Kenedy's performance.
"Kenedy played very well," Conte said.
"He's working very well, he's working a lot. When there will be the
opportunity, a new chance, he must exploit it."
Chelsea's next midweek match is next Wednesday's Champions League tie at
Atletico Madrid.
David Luiz is serving a three-match domestic ban but is poised to be
included despite sustaining a fractured wrist in last Sunday's goalless draw
with Arsenal when he clattered into the advertising hoardings at the end of
the first half.
"He must be okay," Conte said.
"David is an important player for us. For sure he will be ready for the game
against Atletico Madrid."
Forest boss Mark Warburton was frustrated with his side's defending.
"You can't give away soft goals. It's as simple as that," Warburton said.
"We took liberties on the edge of our own box. And against that level of
play you will be punished.
"You can't concede soft goals. Unfortunately tonight against really good
players we were too soft at times."
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