Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes that star striker Alvaro Morata can overcome his nagging disciplinary issues in his first season as a definite starter.
The Italian manager believes that the roots of the disciplinary issues emerge from the fact that Morata is under pressure of being the prime striker for the Blues.
Morata settled in soon with Stamford Bridge by regularly scoring goals, but the 25-year-old has lost his touch in front of the goal with a rapid dip in form. The Spaniard has not scored for Chelsea in six games across all competitions accounting for almost 500 minutes.
Morata picked up two yellow cards during Chelsea’ s FA Cup replay against Norwich City. The Spanish International received his first yellow on the charges of diving and went on to receive another one after he proceeded to argue with the referee on the decision.
Apart from that, the game was filled with several more controversial moments with Willian’s penalty plea ignored by the VAR official and Pedro receiving a red card which also involved a dive in the penalty box.
Conte sympathises with Morata but warns him at the same time
#Conte on #Morata form dropping: "Why? It is difficult to find a response for this question, we created many chances to score. We must be honest to tell that maybe our finishing could be better in quality. The quality could be better" #CFC
— Cfc_alone (@CFC_alone) January 19, 2018
Former Italy and Juventus manager admitted that he understands Morata’s situation but also feels that the striker should overcome this stupid problem. He said:
“For the strikers, this situation can happen. For Alvaro, this is the first season that he’s been having a full season. Maybe, for him, this is the first time to face this type of problem. But he has to overcome this problem because this is a stupid problem.”
Conte went on to add that the second yellow was avoidable and warned the former Real Madrid man to check himself in the future. He stated:
I think the player knows very well his mistake. There was frustration for the first yellow card, because the player didn’t deserve it.
“If the referee doesn’t want to give the penalty, in this situation it’s still not right to book him.
“But, at the same time, you must learn to control yourself. The second yellow card was for dissent. I agree with the player for the first yellow card, but I don’t agree with the player for the second yellow card. He has to check himself in future.”
As a result of the red card, Morata will not be eligible to play against Brighton and Hove Albion. This is the second suspension being served by Morata this season after being booked for his goal celebration against AFC Bournemouth.
Author’s Take:
Conte will have a huge selection heading into the next game with Morata and Pedro unavailable, and Fabregas and Cahill still recovering from their respective injuries. The Blues have not had the ideal start to 2018 with results not going their way. Morata will have to take a check on his actions as the consequences are affecting the team.
