Chelsea news: Blues players lacked desire against Roma - Antonio Conte

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte has blamed a lack of desire from his players for the shock 3-0 defeat to Roma in the Champions League.

Antonio ConteGETTY

Antonio Conte's Chelsea were thrashed 3-0 by Roma, losing top spot in Group C

Chelsea were thrashed 3-0 by Roma in the Champions League, losing their place at the top of Group C.

The Italian side dominanted the match, taking the lead inside the first minute through Stephan el Shaarawy before he later added a second and Diego Perotti grabbed a third in the second half.

And Antonio Conte has admitted the Blues' performance was not acceptable and he questioned his side's desire, particularly in the latter stages of the match.

"To end the first half 2-0 down was unfair in my opinion but the second half was a really bad performance," Conte said.

Stephan el ShaarawyGETTY

Stephan el Shaarawy opened the scoring for Roma inside the first minute

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"Roma showed they had more desire and more will to fight and win the game and I am really disappointed for our second-half performance.

"I think we all have to take responsibility."

The defeat once again highlighted Chelsea's defensive frailities this term, having already conceded three to Roma in the home tie.

And Conte admitted it was a cause for concern and something he would have to address on the training field, reverting to a more tactical-based approach in the coming weeks.

"When you concede three goals you must be worried because it means something is wrong and doesn’t work," he added.

"It is very difficult to tell this for sure, we have to analyse the game.

"I think we need to work on the tactical aspect because for sure in this season we are working less on this aspect and I think we are paying in these situations."

Luckily for Chelsea, Atletico Madrid slipped up with a draw against Qarabag, making it easier for the Blues to qualify from Group C.

However, Conte admitted it was little consolation hoped the poor performance would be a one-off.

“I think we have to look at ourselves to think of our performance and to understand that tonight was a bad night for us,” he added.

“Just on night I hope. I work, I put all myself in to have only one night like this but we must work together and have a togetherness.”

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