Conte dismisses reports Pirlo could get Chelsea role

Antonio Conte has dismissed reports Italian star Andrea Pirlo is in line to become his assistant at Chelsea.

Pirlo, who played under Conte for Juventus and his country, is currently with New York City FC.

He has been touted as a possible replacement for Steve Holland, who this summer will leave his job as assistant first-team coach at Chelsea to be England manager Gareth Southgate’s assistant on a full-time basis.

However, Blues boss Conte suggested that Pirlo, who turns 38 next month, plans to prolong his playing career.

Conte said: “In this period I am listening to a lot (of speculation) and this is very strange for example.

“Pirlo is playing and wants to continue to playing. I don’t know why someone wants to put out this type of situation, but in football it is normal.

“It is important to be focused on the present, which is more important than the future. I prefer to be focused on the present and make this season a great season, not just a good season.”

And Conte has again responded to reports in his native Italy that he might not even be at Chelsea himself next season.

Inter Milan are reported to be keen to appoint him and there has been speculation that he might be interested in taking over at the San Siro.

“I have two more years with Chelsea and this is the truth,” he said.