Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has revealed his admiration for the attacking football Claude Puel’s Southampton have been playing this season.
After the high of beating Manchester United last weekend, Conte’s Chelsea were knocked out of the EFL Cup by West Ham on Wednesday night and they are again looking to bounce back in the league.
However, they will be travelling to the south coast this weekend to take on Southampton, who are unbeaten in ten in all competitions, with their last defeat coming against Arsenal last month.
The Saints earned a point against Manchester City last weekend and Conte is expecting a stiff test at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday for his team against Puel’s men.
The Italian admits that he loves the way Puel sets up his teams and is a big admirer of the kind of football Southampton have been playing this season.
relatedNewsStory
Conte said in a press conference: “They’re a very good team, very strong. I’ve watched many games. I like Claude Puel, his teams play offensive football.
“Every game they play football. In the last game they played very well against Man City, they created many chances.
“They are compact in defensive situations. It’s a very good team.
“I’m sure Sunday will be very tough.”
Chelsea are currently fourth in the league table and are just a point off league leaders Manchester City.
