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On winning the game

Thank you. Because to reach in my first season the final of this competition is a great acheivement. Not only for me, but for my players and for the club, my staff and the supporters. I think we deserve this after a tough game against a really strong team.

I think to see this type of game, I think England must be proud to have this type of football, intensity and type of players. Today was good for football. This semi-final I saw two teams very strong. A really good game. Not only for Chelsea but also for Tottenham.

(Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

On leaving out Costa and Hazard

When you arrive in this part of the season, when you know you are to play three tough games. One in the semi-final to reach the final in a top game. This game was top in our prioroty. Then you have to play again on Tuesday. It's important for the league against a team that has to rest ten days.

Tottenham have one more day to rest. They play the day after against Palace. You must take a strong decision and take the responsibility to take this decision. It's not easy to decide to start the game without two important players.

You must take this responsibility and involve the players in your plan and to operate with this decision is good.

I'm pleased today because Michy started the game, an important game. Very important for him and his confidence and Ake, who is a young player from our academy. Important to see his level and commitment in this type of game. It's not easy. I trust them and every single player and today I think I showed this.

On using his bench

Our plan was this. To stay in the game. To pass more time was better for us. Then I decided in the last 30 minutes to put them on and don't forget Cesc. He was very important for us. I'm very pleased for Willian because he showed good form.

For him this season has not been easy for many reasons and I don't want to repeat them. I think that in this game I involved all my players in the idea and that's very important and this stage of the season. That every player feels part of this.

(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

On having faith in Batshauyi and Ake

When you work with them every day. I don't forget that every single player I work with them in the same way. If you stay in the XI or the bench or the stand. It's very important because when you play in this way and you try always to involve every single player in your idea, you need all the players to be ready to fight and play in this sort of game.

You did not play a simple game, you played a semi-final against a strong team like Tottenham at Wembley, with 80,000 people here. I think I must be proud for this.

On the penalty

I did not see, but I'm sure that Lloris took the ball with his hands outside of the box. The players told me this happened. For the penalty I don't know because I did not see this situation.

This result is only important because we reached the final. The league and cup are two different things. We now have only two days to prepare for Southampton which will be a tough game. We must know that Tottenham will fight until the end for the title and we know they have the possibility to do this.

(Image: Steve Bardens - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

On the title race

When I told you it was 50/50 I think this is because I saw our fixtures and I think these weeks are crucial for us. This week they have an advantage and we have to play after two days and they play Crystal Palace who play tomorrow. Spurs have to play on Wednesday with one day more to rest.

We get two days to rest to play a team that has rested for ten days. It's a crucial moment for us. Sometimes it's tough to work out these fixtures but it's up to us on the pitch.

On regaining the momentum from Spurs

We have to try to exploit the momentum. For sure after this win, it's really important against a team that are fighting with us for the title. We must exploit this but also we have to know that on Tuesday we have to play a very tough game against a strong team. Southampton have tough players and they will want to come to Stamford Bridge and play a tough game.

On Tuesday I want our fans to be there to help our players on the pitch. It's very important. It's a very important moment for us. We need our fans in the same way today, they pushed a lot, we need that on Tuesday to push from the start. The game is very important.

On Spurs getting more rest

In this situation it's not easy to understand why. At the end of the season you must try to have balance and understand the situation. Put the teams in the same condition to fight.