Conte on Arsenal, futures of Hazard & Kenedy, Morata, Moses’ ban and wanting new signings
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte spoke about a number of issues at a news conference on Friday ahead of this weekend’s Community Shield game against Arsenal at Wembley. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
Conte on facing Arsenal
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“It is an important game. It is always important to win and start the season with a win. If you are playing for a trophy, the first trophy in the season, for sure we must have the will to try to win the game.”
On Eden Hazard being linked with Barcelona
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“We are trying to buy players, not sell! Otherwise the number is always less and we are in trouble.
“These are rumours. Eden is very happy to stay with us and to play with Chelsea – to recover from his injury and then start the season with us.”
On whether Hazard and Bakayoko might be fit for the start of the season
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“Honestly no. It’s too early and we have to wait and have patience.
“For sure they are improving a lot and recovering very well from their injuries but they are not ready for the start of the season.
“After surgery it is important to expect the right time to recover. Their work is going very well.”
On having to replace the suspended Victor Moses for the opening league game
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“We play on Sunday. I’ll have six days to try to find the best solution. For now we haven’t an alternative to Moses. We are trying to find the right alternative.”
On the future of Kenedy
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“Last season he only played 20 minutes at Watford and he went back with Chelsea. For him for his development it is very important to find the right solution and play.”
On the need to make more signings
“It is very important to improve our squad. On the numerical aspect we have a small squad.
“Only one player is not enough. We need more players to improve our squad. Now we are only a few players.
“It is important that the club knows my opinion about the numbers we need. It is not right to tell these through the press.
“The most important thing is that the club knows my opinion and they are trying to do their best for our team and squad. Now we have to wait. We must have patience.”
On Diego Costa
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“It is very simple situation. The player, his agent and the club knew very well the future of the player in the summer. They knew very well.
“I don’t understand why the lawyer got involved. But the situation is very clear and always the same.”
On perhaps playing Alvaro Morata and Michy Batshuayi up front
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“In this moment this could be a possibility because when you have Hazard and Pedro injured I tried this. I don’t see other options. You only have Willian and for this reason I try to find these combinations. This could be an option for me.
“But for sure Alvaro I want to play like a number a nine but his characteristics, he could play like a number 10.
“Alvaro is working very well and is trying to reach the best physical condition. He is working to go into our idea of football.
“He needed a bit of time to be ready to do this but is working very well. I don’t know the decision on Sunday. He is a really good player and a really good person.”
