Antonio
Conte took the blame for a "very disappointing" first half from Chelsea
before their late comeback win at Southampton.
The Blues found themselves a goal behind to a side who have not won a home
game in the Premier League since November, and went two down on the hour
mark before the introduction of Olivier Giroud, who scored twice as they
grabbed three in eight minutes to turn the game on its head.
"Our first half wasn't good, in a lot of aspects," said Conte. "I think we
didn't show great spirit, enough desire or will to fight for a good result.
The first half was very negative.
"I saw a great reaction after half-time, the right will to fight, the right
desire to win this game, despite the difficulties because they went 2-0 up.
"But we have had the right spirit to come back and win this game. If you
don't have something in your heart, it's very difficult to win the game, but
today I'm very happy with the second half, and very disappointed with the
first.
"I'm the first to take the fault for the first half, but I repeat the second
half my players deserve great credit."
It was Conte's changes that turned the game in Chelsea's favour, with Giroud
grabbing his first and second for the club, but the manager was more
concerned with the difference in his team as a whole for Chelsea's first
league comeback from two goals down since 2002.
He said: "I think that the coach has to try to find a different solution,
especially if you are losing, but I think the difference was that we played
in the second half with great desire not to lose another game. No-one
deserves this type of season."
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