Search Results for: conte

Antonio Conte is confident he can transform the likes of Eden Hazard into world-class performers during his time in charge of Chelsea. Hazard was voted the PFA Player of the Year in 2015 for the dazzling displays that helped Chelsea win the Premier League, but suffered a dip in form last term as the Blues endured a dismal title defence that saw Jose Mourinho sacked. Having shown glimpses of returning to his best for Belgium during Euro 2016, Mourinho’s successor Conte is hoping Hazard will improve into one of the world’s best. “Last … [Read more...]

Antonio Conte has fired a warning shot across the bow of his Chelsea players after suffering a disappointing pre-season friendly defeat by Rapid Vienna on his debut as manager. The Italian took to the dug-out for the first time as Blues boss as a strong line-up including Diego Costa, Willian, Nemanja Matic and captain John Terry succumbed in the Austrian capital on Saturday. Joelinton gave Rapid an eighth-minute lead before Tomi Correa scored a second with nine minutes remaining as Costa and youngster Ola Aina conspired to spurn … [Read more...]

Antonio Conte's reign as Chelsea head coach got off to an underwhelming start in front of Roman Abramovich, who was in the stands, as his team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Rapid Vienna. An early goal from teenage Brazilian striker Joelinton gave Rapid a lead they never relinquished as the Austrian giants marked the opening of their brand new 28,000-seater Allianz Stadion with a famous victory. Spanish substitute Tomi added a second late on. Chelsea announced the signing of Leicester City midfielder N'Golo Kante for a reported £30 million … [Read more...]

New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has said John Terry will remain club captain this season regardless of whether he is on the pitch. Conte was confirmed as Chelsea's new manager in April, when Guus Hiddink was in interim charge and there were significant doubts over Terry's future at the club. The 35-year-old ultimately put pen to paper on a new one-year contract in May but had previously said he would have to accept a "different role" at the club. Conte has finally arrived at Stamford Bridge after having led Italy to the quarterfinals … [Read more...]

Antonio Conte says he was “born with pressure” and will remain unfazed by the challenge of leading Chelsea as they seek to recover from a “bad season”. Former Italy boss Conte, speaking English well, expressed his pride and excitement at what awaits with the Blues as he unveiled by the club at a press conference on Thursday. He also acknowledged the challenge ahead at a club which won the 2014-15 Premier League title, but finished a lowly 10th last term. “The pressure for me is not important,” Conte added. “I was born with pressure. … [Read more...]

A "very vocal" Antonio Conte took charge of his first training session as Chelsea manager on Wednesday after arriving in London to begin work in his new role. The 46-year-old was pictured touching down in the capital on Tuesday evening before he made his way to Chelsea's training base in Cobham the following morning to put his players through their paces. After a light jogging session, the Chelsea squad were split into two groups to work on their passing, look at their patterns of play and improve their ability to keep the ball - with … [Read more...]

With Antonio Conte's time as Azzuri boss now over, the tactian will look to change Chelsea's fortunes in the new season. Following his side’s penalty shootout defeat to world champions Germany , Italy coach Antonio Conte has praised his Azzurri outfit despite their exit from Euro 2016. Leonardo Bonucci levelled things up in Bordeaux in the second half after Mesut Ozil had opened the scoring in the tense quarter-final. However it was enough as Italy were ultimately defeated on penalties, and Conte was saddened to end his spell as Italy … [Read more...]