Chelsea are currently on a week-long tour in Austria for the opening of preseason, and Antonio Conte today appeared in a press conference Velden.
The former Italy boss has only worked for a week at his new club, and despite losing 2-0 to Rapid Vienna last Saturday, Conte has praised his side for working with the right mentality as he’s hopeful of Chelsea’s success in the oncoming season.
I’m very happy with our work, I found the players have the right attitude and they are great workers.
I’m seeing a great attitude and great behaviour from the players and we must continue that for the whole season.
It’s difficult to say where we will finish but the normality for this club is to fight for the title until the end.
Diego Costa has recently been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid for more than several times, as the Blues are already warning the La Liga side to keep their hands away from the Spaniard.
Conte has no plans to let the 27-year-old go, as he praised the Spain international’s wonderful work-rate and is happy to keep him at the club.
Diego Costa is our player, he’s a fantastic player with fundamental importance. He’s very happy and is working hard.
Conte also spoke about Chelsea new boy Michy Batshuayi, who joined the club from Marseille this summer, and the return of Juan Cuadrado, who spent last season on loan at Juventus.
Batshuayi has worked with us for two days, he’s in good condition and he’s working on the physical and tactical aspect.
Cuadrado is Chelsea’s player. I like him. He arrived today and this afternoon he starts to train with us.
The comeback of the Colombian surely feels like a new signing for most of us Chelsea fans, as his performances on his debut season for the club were certainly below the bar.
Kurt Zouma, who suffered an ACL tear in February has returned to light training at Chelsea, but Conte wants to be extremely careful considering his condition.
We know Zouma is recovering but he needs time. It’s important we don’t push him.
Chelsea will play their second preseason friendly against RZ Pellets tomorrow, with the kick-off at 7.oo pm UK time.
