Conte: 'In every game I ask always the same things of my players'

Chelsea are going for a ninth league win in a row in a few short hours but boss Antonio Conte knows that despite passing some of the toughest tests the Premier League can conjure up in recent weeks, beating West Brom will not be easy.  The focus, the intensity, the determination of the previous weeks has to be maintained.

"In every game I ask always the same things of my players: be focused on the game; be focused about football; be focused to play football - only this. The other situations do not matter."

"If I see in the training great intensity, great attention, great focus I am calm and if I don't see this I worry. We are working very well, but I hope we can now complete our week in the right way."

To collect all three points against the Baggies, we'll probably need Diego Costa to continue playing at his level best, just as he has practically all season.  Conte paid tribute to the big man up top, and not just for his goals.

"I think Diego is a real warrior and he is good for the team because it is important to have many warriors during the game because every game is a battle, a sporting battle. Diego is showing great patience and he can put this into the team in the best way."

"I think it is fantastic for him, for the team, for the club and for the fans. He is playing very well and we are working a lot to involve him in our play. He is improving a lot and Diego is showing the right part of him now."

Conte is expecting a physical battle against Tony Pulis's men, which, with questions over David Luiz's availability, could prove concerning.  Even if Sideshow's able to play, this one might turn into a true battle of wills.  We'll need all of our leaders to step up, both on and off the pitch.

"John [Terry] is injured but he is continuing to be a leader in the changing room."

"This is important for me because John is our captain and you are captain always - if you play, if you don't play, if you are injured - and he is showing me great commitment and I am pleased for this. It's important to also increase the leadership in the other players. I like to see this and I ask this of my players. I think we are improving on this aspect.'

-Antonio Conte: source: Chelsea FC

Work. Fight. Improve.