With the start of the new season just around the corner, Antonio Conte took his first news conference as a Premier League manager. (All quotes are from Chelsea TV coverage)
Chelsea welcome West Ham United to Stamford Bridge in the first Monday night football of the season, where Antonio Conte will hope his side can snatch the 3 points away for Slaven Bilic’s men.
Conte spoke about the Premier League,
The expectations for all the teams are very high, and also for Chelsea. It’s important not to forget last season, but it’s also important to think to the present and to build a good future. It’s a very tough league.
There are many great clubs who can fight to win the title. The league will be a ‘great battle’. We are ready.
Conte slammed any idea that he was ‘relaxed’,
I’m not! It’s the first time I have managed a new team in a new league in a new country. I bring my experience as a former player. A manager must try and improve the players in different aspects.
Conte talked about different formations,
We are working on a new idea of football. The team lost their confidence a bit in the last season. We are working on this.
In my past I played with 4 or 3 defenders. It’s important for the coach to understand the right fit for the team. We’ve found 2 different tactical solutions. In the future it can change. I hope to very quickly find the right fit.
Conte was about dealings in the transfer market,
The market is ‘crazy’ and we must be patient to ‘find the right solutions and improve the squad. The transfer market is a bit crazy. When you try to buy a player the cost is very expensive and not the real evaluation.
Nemanja is an important player for me. He knows this. There isn’t a problem with him. Nemanja is a Chelsea player.
Conte confirms that Betrand Traore will be heading out on loan for this season,
He’s a good player and we prefer he plays every game this season.
On Monday nights opponents West Ham,
The match will be very tough. We face a strong team. They have a good manager, a squad with physical, fast, talented players. It’s a derby and we know these games are very tough, but we want to play, start the season and give satisfaction to our fans.
It’s the first time for me for everything. To start with a derby is tough. I am excited. My players must have the right will.
