Conte on Courtois speculation, Terry, January deals and the futures of Chelsea youngsters
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was asked about a number of issues at his press conference ahead of his side’s game against Stoke City. Here is some of what the Italian had to say.
On injuring his calf
“I wanted to run with Carlo Cudicini and Steve Holland and I paid for this, because they run very strongly! I am getting better.”
On John Terry
“John has trained this week with us. He is finding the right shape – the best shape. It’s important for us to bring him in the best shape.”
On Arsene Wenger describing Chelsea as “super-favourites”
“It’s very difficult to reply to this. We have only played 18 games and there are 20 games left to finish this season.
“At the start of the season, not one coach or journalist trusted this team.
“Now, I’m pleased that the opinion is changing. But when the opinion changes quickly, you must keep paying attention.
“We have only six points more than the second teams and the way is long.
“I am happy if someone is changing their opinion. But we must continue to focus game by game.
“I think 12 wins in a row is a great achievement but it’s not enough to win the league at this point of the season. I hope to keep this run going.”
On Thibaut Courtois being linked with Real Madrid
“I think it is not important to clarify the situation, but Thibaut is for me one of the best, if not the best, goalkeepers in the world.
“He works very well and is a fantastic keeper. He stays with us. The other situation is only speculation.”
On the transfer window
“In January it is always very difficult to buy because I think every team thinks to keep their best players and not to sell them.
“But, with the club, we are thinking of the best way to face the rest of the season.
“We are seeing our situation, our squad, and then we will take the best decision. But as I said before, the window in January is not easy.
“We sold Oscar and we have money to spend, but it is important to spend money in the right way.
“To spend money just to spend money; I don’t like this. I prefer to buy players who can adapt to our system and come into our team.
“But, I repeat, it is not easy in January to find this type of player. But we are working in this aspect.”
On the futures of various youngsters
“Kenedy and Musonda came back their loans because they didn’t play a lot. For this reason I think it’s important to stay with us in these weeks to evaluate the best situation for them and for the team.
“January is not easy. We are talking about this to see if we can find the best solution for our squad.
“We have a lot of young players in our squad and I trust in them. We have Ruben and Chalobah and als Kurt Zouma.
“We are talking about players who are 19, 20, 21 years old and it is important to work with this type of player to try to find the right solution at home and then if it’s not possible it’s important to look around and find a solution.”
On whether Costa and Kante will come straight back in
“You will see!”
