Antonio Conte: Southampton won’t be easy for Chelsea in FA Cup semi-final

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes Southampton could pose a tough test to the West London side as the two teams have been paired in the FA Cup Semi-Final, due to be played at Wembley.

The tie is expected to be played on the weekend of 21-22 April. The other FA Cup semi-final sees Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea overcame Leicester City in a 2-1 win in extra time away at the King Power Stadium on Sunday evening, with Willian and Pedro grabbing their vital goals. Meanwhile, a positive second half and goals from Pierre-Emil Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares saw Saints power through Wigan Athletic.

Given Saints’ troubles this season - Mark Hughes’ men now sit in the relegation zone with a game in hand after Crystal Palace defeated Huddersfield Town 2-0 - Conte’s Chelsea got the favourable cup draw.

But the Italian manager is not resting on his laurels and believes Southampton could prove a challenge for last season’s Premier League champions.

“When you arrive at this point of the tournament it’s very difficult to consider an easy game,” Conte told reporters at the King Power Stadium. [H/T the Standard]

”Don’t forget Man City were eliminated against Wigan.

”We must be ready to fight to try to reach the final at Wembley for the second time in a row. It will be very important for us, but we must know Southampton will have the same idea.”

We’re sure Conte is just trying to be kind, but was punching the air inside his head.