Regardless of the concerns surrounding Antonio Conte’s immediate future at the club, the Italian has urged his players to put in maximum effort between now and the end of the season.
As reported by Sky Sports, Conte has urged his players to ‘show respect to the badge’.
I was a player, and the players must play every game, and not for me, but for the club, and for the fans, they must have great respect for this badge, they don’t have to play for the coach.
They have to play for the club, our fans, and to show great character like today. This is the best possible way for a player to be a fantastic professional.
Chelsea look set to miss out on a place in the top four and six points ahead of Arsenal in sixth.
The Europa League beckons for the Blues, who failed to mount any form of title defence under Conte this season.
The Blues did, however, come from 2-0 down to beat relegation-threatened Southampton 3-2 on Saturday.
A brace from Olivier Giroud either side of a goal from Eden Hazard gave Chelsea all three points on the road.
Conte remains coy on his future at Chelsea but does look set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Luis Enrique, Maurizio Sarri and Brendan Rodgers are reportedly the main contenders to replace him.
