Conte on transfers, Traore, Matic, West Ham and how he’ll improve Chelsea
Antonio Conte spoke about a number of issues at his pre-match conference on Friday. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say ahead of Monday’s derby against West Ham – his first Premier League match as Chelsea manager.
On Bertrand Traore’s loan move
“Yes, it’s confirmed and he’s going to on loan to Ajax. He’s a good player, but together the club prefer for him to play and improve.
“We want him to have a season playing every game and then to come back, because he is a good prospect for Chelsea.”
On transfers
“I talk every day with the club and we have a plan. We know the transfer market is very crazy and there are different aspects, but we must be patient to find the right solutions for the team.
“When you try to buy a player the cost is very expensive and not the real valuation of the player and it’s a very strange situation.
“It is important to speak every day with the club to find the right solution for people to improve this squad.
“But now I am very happy – very happy to work with these players. They have shown me great commitment every day.”
On reports he has asked Nemanja Matic to stay
“I speak with a lot of my players. When you first arrive at a club it is important to do that.
“Nemanja is an important player and he knows this. There isn’t a problem with him. He was and is a Chelsea player.”
On the new season
“We have been working very hard to be ready to start. We know this season will be very tough for every team in every game. We know expectations will be high.
“This league is a fantastic league. I think it is maybe the most important in the world now. There are many great clubs that can fight to win the title and there are fantastic players and great managers.
“I’m excited and my players are also excited. We are ready.”
On facing West Ham
“It will be very tough, I’m sure about it, because we face a strong team. Last season they had a good season. West Ham have a good manager and good players.
“In their squad they have physical players, players who are very fast and players with good talent and technique. It’s a good team.
“Also, it’s a derby and we know that these type of games are very tough. But we want to play and want to start the season. We will do our best to win the game.
On improving on Chelsea’s dismal season
“I think last season was bad for all the players, not only two or three. It’s important to understand this and important to forget last season. It’s important now to think of the present and the future for Chelsea.
“Now we are working on a new idea – a new philosophy. I know the players are the same as last season but I also know that these players two years ago won the title.
“It’s important to find the right confidence, because I think this squad lost the confidence a bit. We are also working to play attractive football and to fight for the right position for Chelsea.”
On his managerial style
“The approach can change. Each situation can be different. I think my experience as a former player helps me to understand the right way to approach a situation. You know when the time is right to go strong or to go softer.”
On reports he has banned his players from eating certain foods
“I bring my experience as a former player and I think that is important because every single manager must try to improve his players.
This is in different aspects; not only the tactical aspects but in all aspects to improve their performance.
“I think my experience is important and I try to transfer this to my players. The player understands if something is good or not good for him.”
