Antonio Conte hails Thibaut Courtois

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has hailed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as one of the best safe hands in the world, as he plays down widespread talks about the player’s contract negotiation.

According to the Independent, the Italian tactician was coy when asked about the Belgium international’s future at Stamford Bridge club, claiming that questions from reporters about a new contract should be directed to the management of the club and not him.

The Chelsea head coach was full of praise for the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, which serves as a crystal clear indication that everyone at the West London club is aware of the 25-year-old goalkeeper’s abilities.

Conte said he only likes to give his opinion on technical issues and decisions but it is to the club to face contract issue.

Thibaut Courtois himself was asked about a new contract during the week and said that there is still a lot of time on his current contract.

Reports in the British media this morning have claimed that the goalkeeper wants a new contract that offers him a big pay like that of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, who is widely seen as the best safe hand in the English top flight league, which is thought to be somewhere around £205,000-weekly.