"Serial winner" Conte hits back by beating Mourinho to FA Cup

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insisted he is a "serial winner" after ending a difficult season on a high by beating Manchester United 1-0 to lift the FA Cup thanks to Eden Hazard's penalty at Wembley.

In what is still widely expected to be Conte's final game in charge, the Blues withstood a second-half onslaught from United yesterday after Hazard's 22nd-minute spot-kick to ensure Jose Mourinho's men end the season trophyless.

A year on from winning the Premier League in his debut season in English football, Conte failed to even qualify Chelsea for the Champions League as they finished fifth in the Premier League.

"I am the first to understand because I am the coach of an important club in England, in the world, and it is right the club demands of me a lot," said the Italian on the constant speculation over his future.

But Conte defended his record after winning a knockout competition for the first time in his managerial career.

"Also in a difficult season, I have showed I am a serial winner," he added. "This is the truth. To win in this way, this season, has given me more satisfaction than my wins in the past."
"When a player tells you he is not ready to play, not ready to start, then the question is how many minutes you think you can? How can you convince a player?"
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