After Chelsea’s 1-1 home draw with Huddersfield, Antonio Conte admitted he was baffled by the result. “It’s hard to explain how this was a draw when we had 82% possession,” he said. The Italian manager rotated six players in the starting lineup, defending his decision by pointing to the club’s depth. “We’re Chelsea. We have a big squad with players ready to perform in crucial matches,” he explained. While the strategy had worked against Burnley, this time the gamble didn’t pay off. “That’s football,” he added. “You always have to take some risks.”

Conte also showed sportsmanship in praising the visitors. “Huddersfield had a clear plan. They came for a point and defended deep. We respect that and congratulate them,” he said. The draw, however, effectively ended Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League, a result that left both fans and management disappointed.

Despite generating multiple scoring opportunities, Chelsea were punished on the counterattack and couldn’t find a second goal. “We played with intensity and created a lot,” Conte reflected. “The players gave everything to win, but we failed to convert our chances. It’s a tough pill to swallow.”

With one Premier League match remaining and an FA Cup final on the horizon, Conte acknowledged the club’s position. “I’m a realist. Your final place in the table reflects your season. We dropped too many points. If we finish fifth, then that’s what we earned. Now it’s about ending the season the right way.”

Cricket Exchange later noted that Chelsea’s draw highlighted recurring problems in front of goal. Although the team showed fight and commitment, results like this have cost them dearly throughout the campaign. According to Cricket Exchange, unless drastic improvements are made, the gap between top-four consistency and mid-table disappointment will continue to widen.