Jul 16, 2016 at 5pm UK at ​Ernst Happel Stadion
Rapid Vienna
2-0
Chelsea
Joelinton (8'), Correa (82')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Antonio Conte: 'Lessons to be learned from pre-season defeat'

Diego Costa is unhappy with a missed chance during the Premier League game between Chelsea and Manchester City on April 16, 2016
© AFP
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte refuses to criticise his players after seeing them fall to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Rapid Vienna in their pre-season opener.

Antonio Conte has declared himself "very happy" with Chelsea's performance in their 2-0 reverse to Rapid Vienna, but admits that there are lessons to be learned.

The Blues were second best for large parts as they fell to defeat at the Allianz Stadion in the former Italy manager's first game at the helm on Saturday.

Despite seeing his side lose their opening fixture of the pre-season calendar, Conte believes that simply getting out on the field following the disastrous campaign of 2015-16 is the most important thing.

"I am very happy because together we are working to improve the squad," he is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo. "We know we have to improve but we prefer to wait and take the right player, rather than to go for a player with emotion that doesn't adapt to our idea of football.

"This first game for us, I know it was very difficult after three days of training double every day. The physical aspect, strength aspect - I think it is a bit normal to meet these difficulties in this game but I don't like to lose and it is the same for my players.

"I think I saw some situations that I saw last season and I think this game is very important because we can learn a lot from this. It's important to switch our mind to change because the past is not important. The future is important. We must work for our present and our future."

Joelinton scored the opening goal in Vienna just eight minutes into the match, before Tomi Correa tapped home from close range late on to seal the win.

Ngolo Kante and Harry Arter in action during the game between Leicester and Bournemouth on January 2, 2016
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2Bournemouth00000000
3Burnley00000000
4Chelsea00000000
5Crystal Palace00000000
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7Hull City00000000
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19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom00000000
20West Ham UnitedWest Ham00000000