West Ham boss backs Conte to be a success at Chelsea

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic believes Antonio Conte will be a success as Chelsea manager.

The Blues will begin the new season – and Conte’s reign as boss – against Bilic’s side in a London derby at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

“I rate him very highly,” said Bilic, whose team finished seventh last season – three places above Chelsea.

“Antonio Conte is a great manager and wants to change the way they approach the game and the principles. We expect a tough game against Chelsea.

“But we are excited about the first game. We have had a good pre-season and have a good squad.”

Hammers trio Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Darren Randolph have been nursing minor injuries but trained on Wednesday and are expected to be available for next week’s match.