Conte responds to reports players are unhappy with his methods

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Antonio Conte says Chelsea’s packed schedule means they have less time to work in training and that this could be a factor in their recent poor results.

The Blues boss was responding to questions about a report in the Times newspaper, which suggested that his players are unhappy with his training methods and believe they could be contributing to the current injury problems.

Conte said: “I don’t know about this. I have my methods. It’s the same like last season when we won the league.

“Honestly I think we are working maybe 70% less than last season and maybe for this reason we have trouble.

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“In the tactical aspect and physical aspect, when you play every three days it is impossible to work on these aspects and you have to pay less attention in every detail.”

There has been speculation about Conte’s future at Stamford Bridge, particularly in light of Chelsea’s two successive Premier League defeats.

“I think every coach and every manager has to feel the pressure,” said the Italian.

“But I put all of myself into my job and for this reason I am happy. When I go to my house I know in every moment I put myself into this job for this club, for the fans and the players.

“You know very well that anything can happen in football.”

On a brighter note for Conte, a follow-up scan has indicated that N’Golo Kante could return from a hamstring injury sooner than expected.