Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admits he forced star to play against West Brom

Conte: We were forced to play Giroud against West Brom

 

The Blues returned to winning ways after easing past the Baggies at Stamford Bridge

ANTONIO CONTE has admitted he forced Olivier Giroud to start against West Brom.

Eden Hazard netted a brace and Victor Moses grabbed a goal as Chelsea ran out 3-0 victors.

Giroud made his first start for the West London outfit, who helped his new team with an assist.

The Frenchman joined Chelsea from rivals Arsenal in January for £18m.

He was one of three moves in a transfer merry-go-round that saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang join the Gunners and Michy Batshuayi join Dortmund.

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Antonio Conte is under pressure at Chelsea

“We forced Giroud to play”

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

But boss Conte revealed after the game that Giroud was forced to play.

He said: “I think we forced Giroud to play, also because with [Alvaro] Morata injured I think that it was very important to have a point of reference in him.”

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Olivier Giroud made his full debut for Chelsea against West Brom

Conte has come under huge pressure in recent weeks after heavy losses to Bournemouth and Watford.

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has been reportedly lined up to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and face Hull in the FA Cup next this Friday.