Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has called on his younger players to keep improving after impressing when handed a chance in their 5-1 EFL Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
The Italian handed home debuts to Charly Musonda, Ethan Ampadu, Dujon Sterling and Jake Salter-Clarke – while Brazilian Kenedy was brought back in from the cold as the Blues booked their place in the Fourth Round, where they will host Everton.
Speaking after the game, Conte praised Musonda, who marked the occasion with a goal, and called on him to continue improving.
“Charly played very well,” Conte said.
In Pictures | EFL Cup Third Round
“He is trying to work a lot to improve his physical impact with this league.
“This league is very strong in the physical aspect and we are working well in this aspect to be ready to play in this league and is a talented player. He has to continue in this way.”
As well as Musonda getting on the score sheet, Kenedy – whose Chelsea career looked over having been sent home from their pre-season tour of Asia – also bagged a goal and picked up an assist as Michy Batshuayi scored the fifth for his hat-trick.
On the 21-year-old, Conte added: “I am pleased with his performance and it is important to continue this way.
“We have started to work with him in the last season and in January, he started to work with us after [his loan at] Watford.
“He is working very well, a lot and he is improving. He has to continue and when there will be the opportunity and a new chance he must exploit it.”
The Blues will host Ronald Koeman’s side in the week commencing 23rd August.
