Saturday 13 May 2017 14:02, UK
Antonio Conte paid tribute to his Chelsea squad after they wrapped up the Premier League title with a 1-0 win at West Brom on Friday night.
Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to score the winner in the 82nd minute as Conte secured the title in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian boss, who claimed three Serie A titles as Juventus coach, has wasted no time in getting the London club back on top after a chaotic title defence last season led to the sacking of Jose Mourinho and an eventual 10th place finish.
"I think this achievement is a great achievement for the players, for my players," Conte told Sky Sports. "And I have to tell [them] thanks for their commitment, for their work rate.
"This season they show me great attitude, great patience, great will, great desire to try to do something great in this season.
"And now, after this win, we must be happy. We must be pleased for this season.
"It wasn't easy for me to arrive in England and try different habits, a different language, and inherit players after a bad season."
It has been a season of masterstrokes from Conte and he produced another to seal the title, bringing Batshuayi and Willian on for Eden Hazard and Pedro with just under 15 minutes left.
Batshuayi has spent much of the season as understudy to Diego Costa, but popped up with his second Premier League goal of the season, seven minutes after coming on, to secure the title.
"I thought that Hazard and Pedro were tired and we needed more energy," Conte added. "Michy paid me a lot with this change!"
