Conte on Watford, Mourinho, Kante, Drinkwater and claims players are unhappy with his methods

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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Watford. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.

Conte on Chelsea’s injuries

“At the moment I can tell you nothing about the starting 11 tomorrow. There are many (injury) doubts. I hope in this 24 hours to try to recover some players.”

On reports his players are unhappy with his training methods

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“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.

“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.”

On whether he feels under pressure

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“I think every coach and every manager has to feel the pressure.

“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 Watford

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“Watford are a good team, in a good position in the table. They have enthusiasm, but we play at home after two defeats in the league and we want to come back to win.”

On N’Golo Kante

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“I hope to have him back very soon – before the international break.

“If N’Golo is available before Man United and the game against Roma I would be very happy.

“He has started to work. Not with the group, but to be fit. He is progressing well. The scan was better than before.”

On Danny Drinkwater

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“He is progressing well. But after 35-40 days we must have patience and wait for the right moment.

“The player is frustrated for this situation because he wants to play. He has started to work, not with us but he has started to work in part of the session.

“It is important to progress well and improve his physical conditions. If I try to put him on the pitch I risk to have a player without a good fitness and then risk another injury.”

On Jose Mourinho

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“Every coach has to talk about his job himself his team and his players and not the others. My answer is always the same. Every coach must be focused on your own work.”

On whether the Chelsea board back him

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“You are continuing to speak about this. For me, the most important thing is to work, to work.

“I hope to have always this enthusiasm, this passion, this will to work and put all of myself into my job.

“These are the most important things. I don’t care what happens if something different happens.”