Antonio Conte itching to get to grips with new challenge at Chelsea
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho claimed on Friday that his rival managers were scared to make bold pledges that their sides can chase the league crown.
But when asked if he feared backing his Chelsea side for silverware in the wake of Mourinho’s mind games, Conte replied: “No. I must be honest I think that other things scare me, not to win or lose in football.
“I think that in this league it’s very tough, and I think that at the moment six, seven, eight teams can fight to win the title. And I’m sure Chelsea is a good team and we must work very hard to be in the six, seven teams that fight for the title.”
Chelsea will open their Premier League account by hosting West Ham tonight, with former Italy boss Conte itching to get to grips with his new challenge at Stamford Bridge.
Conte expects Spain star Diego Costa to play a pivotal role at the Blues this term, but admitted he has challenged the striker to act as a focal-point forward and ditch his previous roving brief.
“Diego is a forward, and he knows that in my idea of football the forward must always be a point of reference for the team,” said Conte.
“I don’t like the forward to move around the pitch, I like the forward to stay there, because you are a forward, and your commitment is to score the goal, stay in the right position.
“You’re a forward, not a midfielder, not a defender. Diego Costa is a great player, and I know that he’s a fantastic finisher. And I think that Diego can improve still a lot.”
Meanwhile West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna - who refers to Antonio Conte as the tailor - and believes the new Chelsea manager is cut from the same cloth as Slaven Bilic.
Conte worked with Hammers defender Ogbonna at both Juventus and with the Italy national team as recently as Euro 2016.
And the 28-year-old thinks Conte will do well in England, backing him to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around after they finished 10th last season.
“I call him ‘tailor’ because he arrived at Juventus when they were not playing well and the same with Italy and he can repair them, it is the same with Chelsea,” he said.
“I think he will bring passion to the Premier League. He likes to improve his players with physical methods and likes to improve the character.
“When I heard he was being appointed Chelsea manager and had the chance to come into the Premier League, I think it is good for him. It is the same with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho as well. The football will improve.”
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