Conte on his future, Pirlo, injuries, Luiz’s role and possibly selecting youngsters
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was asked about a number of issues at a news conference on Friday ahead of this weekend’s game against Crystal Palace. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
Conte on injuries
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“Bad news. As you know, we have three injured players. Alvaro Morata I hope to have back very soon – I hope for the next game against Roma.
“Danny Drinkwater is progressing well but he is not ready yet. We must have patience with him and his calf problem.”
On N’Golo Kante’s hamstring problem
“We are going to do a scan next week to check his situation. He is improving for sure his hamstring problem.
“But this is a big loss for us because I know very well the importance of Kante in our team. We don’t have another player with the same characteristics.”
On possibly selecting youngsters Ethan Ampadu and Kyle Scott
“Now we only have Bakayoko and Fabregas available. We have to approach seven games in one month and for this reason we have to find different solutions and adapt some defenders as a midfielder or give opportunities to young players like Scott to play.
“It will be very difficult to play with Bakayoko and Fabregas for seven games in a row – and also we have to hope we have no (further) injuries in these games.
“I don’t want to change a lot, but If it is necessary then I am ready to do this, but also to give opportunities to young players like Ampadu or Scott.”
On whether David Luiz could move into midfield
“We are talking about a player who is very important for me.
“David is one of our best central defenders. I prefer not to change a lot. You try to find the best solution and you lose something with the defence.
“I decided to utilise him in midfield against Tottenham when we played with three central midfielders. It could be an option if I decide to play with three midfielders. But don’t want to change a lot.”
On whether he might change formation
“I am not considering this, but you never know. For these players the right suit is this.”
On whether Andrea Pirlo could join Chelsea as a coach
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“I can talk about him in the best way but in this moment, he doesn’t know his future and what he wants to do when he will finish his career.”
On reports he could quit Chelsea in the summer
“For two weeks I am reading wrong things. I did an interview two weeks ago and I’m sure the translation was wrong, because in the interview I only said that one day in the future I would like to go back to Italy – one day in the future.
“You know very well my position. I have two years of my contract and I am happy to work at this club. I like to work with my players and like to have this great feeling with our fans. I don’t see a problem.
“Another situation I want to clarify is that my family stay here with me, not in Italy. My daughter is going to school here.
“When you write something it is important to write the truth.”
On Michy Batshuayi
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“He started to play against Burnley. He played against Qarabag and he played in the Carabao Cup. He is in contention for the game.”
On Charly Musonda
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“I spoke with him and I think Charly understood his mistake (posting on social media) honestly, I think he has to continue to work hard to improve himself on the physical and tactical aspect.
“He is working well but his mind must be focused on the pitch, not social media. I told him this. My task is to help him find the right way, not the wrong way.
“Above all with young players it is very important to speak with him and try to explain which is the right way.
“I did this and I am sure he understood. I don’t see a problem with him. Social media is not the most important thing for him.
“Andreas Christensen can be a good example. After two years on loan, after a good experience with Borussia Mönchengladbach, now he is a player ready to play with Chelsea.
“But I think Charly could have a good opportunity to play this season because we only have three number 10s – Hazard, Willian and Pedro.
“He is a talented player. He has a really good prospect to become an important for Chelsea. He has continue to work and the opportunity will come.
“I think it will be good to show that he deserves to play. I am sure about this because he is talented player. I am sure about his career, if his attention is more on the pitch not on social media.”
