FABREGAS REPORTS: "Offered to FOUR clubs" - Conte insistent that he has a place in his squad.

The majority of Chelsea fans would have been surprised at Antonio Conte's team selection last night as Cesc Fabregas was named on the bench in favour of Oscar. The resultant Press reports this morning now link him with a move away from Stamford Bridge stating that he has been "offered" to four of Europe's top sides.

The reports are no surprise really with a couple of weeks remaining of the transfer window and just a couple of rumoured big deals to be completed, the Press need to fill their pages with something and I personally believe this is rubbish.

There are plenty of reasons for Cesc to be named on the bench and to just jump to conclusions is ridiculous really after just one game of our season. As usual its the press trying to do what they can to de-stabilise the club as they usually try to do.

For example, look at the bloke he is standing next to in the Photo above - Dimitri Payet. Do we read negative reports about his future this morning? Is there speculation surrounding his future? He was left on the bench because he is behind most other players in relation to his fitness after his involvement in Euro2016. The same can be said of Fabregas in this instance.

Antonio Conte was asked of his decision to leave Fabregas on the bench and responded by saying:

"Cesc is Chelsea's player, and I'm happy about him, with his attitude and behaviour.

He must know from before that when we are a great team like Chelsea it can happen that I have to take a decision before the game to choose a starting XI.

That can happen that Fabregas is not in the starting XI, but it can happen for all the players. It's important to see always the right attitude. Because we must fight this season and it's important to stay together in every situation.

But then the shape can improve and can change all the situations. Now I took this decision but the next game I can change or not.

When a coach takes this decision there is always a reason but I prefer to keep this to myself.

But I repeat I don't see any problem and I'm very happy to have these players, to train these players."

Conte is adamant that last night was purely a tactical decision and you have to admit it was the right one as we beat West Ham 2-1. Games such as last night are always going to be tough and you need players that will work hard without the ball. Although Fabregas does, he is nowhere near as effective as Oscar is without the ball.

It's important to remember that Conte has openly stated that it will take him some time to decide on the perfect fit when it comes to the formation that suits the players he has in the team. Someone with the quality that Fabregas has with the ball at his feet will always be an important member of the squad. I personally still think he can perform in the same role for Chelsea under Conte that Andrea Pirlo did for Conte at Juventus.

I wouldn't read too much into last night and the subsequent reports this morning. What do you think?