There was further bad news with Victor Moses picking up an injury which led to him being replaced by Davide Zappacosta in the first half.

‘I think that today was a difficult game for us,’ said Conte. ‘Our start was poor and when you play against Crystal Palace you have to start with more personality, otherwise you allow your opponent to take confidence. We conceded the first goal, we were able to come back but in the last few minutes of the first half we conceded another bad goal and then it was very difficult for us.

‘I wasn’t surprised because when you play a team who are fighting in the relegation zone I know the kind of atmosphere you have to face. Palace played with great intensity and fought for every ball, but I prefer to concentrate on my team. Every coach has to solve their own situation.

‘I don’t like to lose, especially twice in a row. For sure today my soul is bad and it will be difficult for me to sleep, but we must have the same sensation, me and my players, to turn a negative situation into a positive.’

Conte spoke about Moses’s injury

‘For us it’s a very difficult moment because we started the game without Morata and Kante, which isn’t simple. During the game another important player, Moses, had an injury, and I hope to have him back very soon.

‘This moment is very difficult for us, to lose three or four players is a big problem but despite this we have to find the will to fight. This season will be very difficult so we have to give 150 per cent, not just 100 per cent, like last season, because that’s not enough. We want to try to be competitive in all competitions but it won’t be easy.

‘My job is to be focused on my work with my players and try to do our best. Now, for sure, it’s not an easy moment for us but I think it’s important to find a solution and not look for excuses.’

Conte also discussed the balance of the side given the players who were unavailable

‘To lose a player like Kante is not simple because he’s able to cover a lot of the pitch, but I have to take into consideration different solutions. The balance is very important if we want to win. Today our balance was poor.’

Next up for the Blues is a Champions League game against Roma at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, and Conte hopes to have one of his injured players back.

‘For sure Moses is out because of his injury. I don’t know if it’s serious, I hope not. Drinkwater is still out. I hope to have Morata back for the game.’