Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has admitted that Alvaro Morata 'will need a bit of time' before making his mark in England.
Morata, 24, joined Chelsea in a club-record move from Real Madrid in this summer's transfer window.
The Spaniard made his competitive debut for the Blues during Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal, but it was an unhappy start for the striker after he missed in the penalty shootout, which Chelsea lost 4-1.
Morata has been criticised in the aftermath of the Community Shield, but Conte has called for patience as the 20-time Spain international bids to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.
"Morata needs to work. It is normal, he has been with us for only one week. It is very important to have a good physical condition and to understand our idea of football. He needs a bit of time but it is normal. It is the same for [Antonio] Rudiger and [Tiemoue] Bakayoko," Conte told reporters.
Chelsea will begin the defence of their Premier League title at home to Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Matt Law
