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Chelsea boss Conte: I requested Bakayoko, Drinkwater signings. This is why...

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is adamant the summer arrivals of Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater were his decisions.

There's been claims of both players being signed without Conte's consultation, but he insists he wanted both midfielders to help with his tactics.

He explained: "Compared to last season, we changed players. We bought two central midfielders, Bakayoko and Drinkwater. For the characteristics of our players, to play with three midfielders is a good option. For me to be able to alternate two different systems, 3-4-3 and 3-5-2, is great.

"When we play against a big team, it's very important to have more solidity with the three midfielders and two strikers, and to give more freedom to Eden,' adds Conte. "And I am very happy because I have seen my players show great ability at adapting themselves, and changing to a system by finding new solutions and memorised play. It was great for me to understand that this other option was good, and also fantastic that my players can do it."

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