Conte on Kante, Moses’ ‘bad injury’, Mourinho, Matic, Man Utd and his relationship with Abramovich
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester United. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
On N’Golo Kante’s comeback
“He’s progressing well. We also have tomorrow and then I’ll take the best decision for him and for the team.
“For sure N’Golo is progressing well and I am very happy about this. You know very well we are talking about an important player.”
On whether he’d be willing to take a risk with Kante
“If I wanted to risk him I could have done this against Bournemouth or Roma. It means if I decide to put him in the team he will be ready to do this.”
On Victor Moses
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“Moses’ injury was a bad injury – a bad muscular injury. We have to wait and to have patience. He needs more time to recover.”
On why he moved Gary Cahill to the left against Roma
“I think that, honestly, I don’t want to answer this question. Who must understand, understands. That is my answer.
“He is very good to play on the left. We won the league with Cahill in this position.
“I think Cahill can play on the right or the left, but the best position for me is on the left.”
On Chelsea’s problems this season
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“This season we are struggling. We are struggling a lot because we are facing a lot of important problems – and to solve these problems is not simple.
“But I think, in this moment, you can see if you are winners or losers. This is very important, this moment. When the period is positive, it’s very simple for everyone to play well and to have great confidence.
“In this moment, when you’re struggling, it’s important to show character – to be strong and to face the problems in the right way.
“I’m used, in my life, to doing this. I struggled a lot in my life, as a player and then as a coach also. My history, my story, tells you this.”
On whether Roman Abramovich has attended training
“Mr Abramovich was at Cobham on Sunday after the Bournemouth game to watch training and to speak. This is normal. We spoke about the Bournemouth game and the first game against Roma.”
On Manchester United
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“We are talking about a really good team. A strong team, physically. It will be very difficult, this type of game. It’s an important team and we must pay great attention. But we are working – working to prepare for this game in the right way. But I think that United is a really good team.”
On Nemanja Matic
“Now Matic is a United player and you know very well that I don’t like to speak about other players of other teams. “
On leaders Manchester City
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“There is a big problem for all the teams that want to fight for the title, and this big problem is Manchester City.
“If Manchester City continue in this way I think this is the big problem for all the teams who are thinking about fighting for the title. If they continue in this way, it will be very difficult to fight for the title.”
On his relationship with Jose Mourinho
“It’s not important, the relationship between the coaches. You have to respect the job of the other coach, and then stop. I don’t like to speak about other situations.
“He’s an opponent, and I’m an opponent for him. I have respect for his job. He must have respect for my job.”
On whether he feels under pressure
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“Honestly, I feel always the same pressure. Before the game I feel the pressure to win. Last season it was the same. When you stay on top of the table you feel the pressure to win because you want to stay on top of the table.
“Don’t forget the pressure is totally different if you play in a team that is fighting in the relegation zone or fighting for something important.
“I’m a passionate man with a great enthusiasm. I need to feel this type of pressure. I like the pressure. I was born with the pressure.”
On England call-ups for Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek
“I think these players are having the right path, the right development. It’s very important for these players to play regularly and to show that they are ready to be Chelsea’s players.
“But I think this is the right path for Ruben and Tammy. I’m very happy they are doing very well.”
