Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has admitted that his side were second best during their 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Italian coach conceded that the Magpies played with more determination than his team, and he took full responsibility for the reverse.
"We deserved to lose because our start wasn't good and we suffered by losing every ball. Newcastle were more determined than us. We didn't lose our Champions League place today, we had chances in the last two games, but to finish the season this way is not good for anyone connected to the club," Conte told reporters in his post-match press conference.
"When you are at the end of the season, this performance can happen, but the first person to answer for this must be the coach. I wasn't able to convey that determination to my players."
Conte also refused to confirm whether the Newcastle defeat, which saw his team finish in fifth place in the league, will be his last game in charge of Chelsea.
Mark Langshaw
