Conte on Batshuayi, Hazard’s role, Leicester, Man Utd, Kante and three at the back
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte spoke about a number of issues at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s early kick-off at home to Leicester. Here’s some of what he had to say…
On bookmakers suspending betting on him being sacked
“I’m trying to find who put the money on – it’s very difficult!
“I’m focused about my work, I’m focused about trying to improve the team. I have a good communication and a good relationship with the club [so] I take this with a smile.
“We are working very hard to change the situation of the past. We are trying to build something important for the present and for the future. You can build only through the work, with time, but it’s important to be focused on our target now.”
On John Terry
“He’s available. He came back in training in the middle of the week. He did all of the training session, so he’s recovered from his injury. I prefer not to give away the line-up but I’ll try to take the best decision for the team.”
On Willian, whose mother has passed away
“We are very sad for him. We knew the problem with his mum – me, the players, the club, we are very close in this moment to our player. Our prayers are with him and his family.”
On Leicester and Manchester United, Chelsea’s next two opponents
“These are two big challenges. Leicester won the title last season and are playing a good Champions League. And then, with Manchester United they are another great team. Two great challenges for us, but in this moment I think we must think about ourselves, not the other teams.”
On whether Chelsea’s absence from the Champions League might help them
“We have a week to prepare, sure. When you have a week you have more time to improve your team and their tactical and physical aspects.
“But I think it’s important for every club to play in the Champions League because it’s a fantastic tournament, every team wants to go in this tournament.”
On Claudio Ranieri
“I was happy [for him] – but not only me, the Italian people were happy that Claudio won a fantastic title in the Premier League with Leicester. He had a great celebration in Italy, and I think he deserved this.
“For me, he’s a good manager, a good man. I have a good relationship with him. Always it’s a pleasure for me to talk with him. It happened after the game in the EFL Cup against Leicester.
“Claudio has a great experience. He’s been doing this work for many years and he’s a great teacher. I think he’s a good mentor.”
On Eden Hazard wanting to play as a number 10
“We are finding the best solution to suit the talent of all the players. I think that in the last game, against Hull City, we played a good game and I think Willian, Hazard and Costa played very well. They did what I want.
“Now we must continue in this way because I think this is the right way to have a team more compact but with players that are very offensive, to create many offensive situations.”
On whether he will continue with three at the back
“I don’t think it’s important [whether we] play with three or four at the back tomorrow, it’s important to follow the principles that we are working on.
“It was necessary to find a new solution because it’s not right that a great team like Chelsea conceded so many goals in every game. Now we are working in the right way with a good idea that can suit all the players in this squad.
“It’s important for me to see every day the shape, to see every day every situation and then to take the best decision. Now I have four central defenders and I have to take the best decision. One must go on the bench.”
On repairing last season’s problems
“This process has started and it’s important for me, for the players and for the club. For me the work is very hard. Now we’re working very hard to build something of importance for the present and for the future.”
On N’Golo Kante
“He’s an important player. We are very pleased to have N’Golo with us. He’s a fantastic player, with good stamina, good technique and good personality. He has brought great will to fight, he’s a humble man, a humble player and I like these type of players, that put the team before themselves.”
On Diego Costa being one booking away from a ban
“We know this situation, Diego knows this situation. But this situation was also [the case] before the Hull City game.
“I think we must think about the present and not to look forward. Diego knows very well his situation. He must fight in the same way as the previous games. I hope that he pays attention and doesn’t take another yellow card.”
On Michy Batshuayi
“Michy is a young player but he has great potential, in the technical and physical aspects. He can grow a lot to become a fantastic player for Chelsea.
“Also, I can tell that he’s ready to play at the start. This season he played at the start in the two cup games and he played very well. I am very happy that he stays with us.”
