Conte on Zouma, Fabregas, Mikel’s future, Everton, Lukuka and Hiddink’s visit
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was asked questions on a range of issues at his media conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Everton. Here’s some of what he had to say…
On Cesc Fabregas and Kurt Zouma
“This week Cesc Fabregas and Kurt Zouma have started to train with the team. It’s normal that when you restart after a long period of rest you need to find the best form, the best shape. And I think after the international break they will be available for selection.
“I’m pleased for Cesc because he is important for us. Kurt played two games with the Under-23s and he will play another game on Tuesday [against Oxford in the EFL Trophy].
“His recovery is very good, we are satisfied with this. Now we hope he can stay with us for the rest of the season.”
On reports Fabregas may be loaned out
“We have started November and it’s important to look at the present. I think for this type of situation, it’s too early to talk.
“Fabregas is Chelsea’s player and I’m very happy to have him in my squad. Now it’s important that he recovers very well, to find the right form, to come back with us, stay with us and the team.”
On whether he will change a winning team
“I have another day to decide the starting XI. It’s normal when a team is winning, it’s very difficult to change but I have another day to take the best decision for the team.”
On John Terry
“John is available, he’s in good form after his ankle injury. It’s the second whole week that he has trained with us. I don’t see any problem.”
On Terry’s comments that old-style apprenticeships should be brought back
“For sure, something has changed now compared to the past. For example, I remember that when I was a kid, I brought the bag of an older player. This was a tradition – like in England, to clean the boots of the older players.
“Now I think the time has changed. But it’s important that the kids continue to play football and to have patience for this sport, and don’t see only the sport like a situation that you can earn only money. It’s important for the player, and for their parents.
“There were good things and bad things [about the apprentice scheme]. In some circumstances, the situation has improved for the young players – in some, not.”
On whether he was surprised at how well David Luiz has fitted in
“I’m not surprised because I knew David Luiz was a good defender, a good player with a great personality [and] good technique. We are working with him and the other defenders a lot to create the right solidity, defensively.
“I know that he’s a great player, he’s won a lot in his career but he must continue to win. David Luiz now is at Chelsea because we trust in him – me, the club – and we wanted to buy him.”
On Diego Costa’s form
“Diego is playing fantastic football, not only scoring goals, but he is working a lot and very well for the team. I think I am seeing a complete player in Diego.
“It’s fantastic for me, for the team, to have him in the squad. I hope Diego continues in this way because his commitment is incredible. Diego, Eden [Hazard], Pedro, Willian, Oscar – they work so well for the team.”
On Romelu Lukaku and whether he was interested in signing the Everton striker
“I like to talk about my players and not the players of the other teams. Lukaku for sure is a very good player, he’s young and improving a lot. But it’s right to talk about my players because I am very satisfied with them.”
On John Mikel Obi’s future
“It’s normal in every squad there are players that arrive at the end of their contracts. Then, together with the club, we take the decision. It’s important to be focused on the championship in this period. We are in November – in the new year we can face other situations.
“The most important thing is that Mikel is working very well now, because in the past sometimes he had some injuries. But now he’s working very hard and I’m pleased for his wor-krate.”
On Guus Hiddink’s flying visit this week
“For me it was a pleasure to see him and to have a conversation after the training session. It’s always a pleasure to see Guus at Cobham, for me, for the players and also for the club. We had a simple conversation. I had a good conversation in the past season, before I started the pre-season.”
On Everton
“Last season we didn’t win against Everton. It’s important to remember this, for me, for my players, for our fans, because on Saturday we’ll need great support from our fans to continue this form.
“We know that we face a strong team with many good players, [who are] technical, fast – we must pay great attention. We’ve worked very well this week. We’ve prepared for this type of game, against this type of team but we must know that for sure it will be a very tough game.”
On the mood in the camp
“When you win, playing good football, it’s important for your confidence. Also you come to Cobham with the right spirit and a good will to work very hard, and you enjoy the football you are playing.”
