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Chelsea must improve in FA Cup final vs Manchester United: Antonio Conte
Chelsea were stunned 3-0 by Newcastle United as their chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League ended but they will be aiming for redemption in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has warned his team that they must improve on their toothless display in Sunday’s Premier League defeat by Newcastle United when the London outfit take on Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Chelsea, who harboured an outside chance of a top-four spot heading into the final league fixture of the season, were overwhelmed at St James’ Park, falling to a 3-0 defeat by 10th-placed Newcastle.
The loss, coupled with Liverpool’s 4-0 home win over Brighton, ended Chelsea’s hopes of securing Champions League football for next season as Conte’s defending champions finished five points behind the Merseysiders in fifth.
“For the next game, for sure we must change. If we think we can play a game like this in the final of the FA Cup then we don’t have a chance,” Conte told reporters as he looked ahead to Saturday’s Wembley showdown.
“We have six days to change our approach and desire and will to fight... Our fans deserve more than today.”
The Italian, who led Chelsea to the league title in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, said his team’s poor campaign was a “big disappointment”.
