Conte on Fabregas, Mikel, Sanchez, Pirlo’s visit and the January window

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was asked about a number of issues at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s game against West Brom. Here is some of what the Italian had to say.

On Chelsea being linked with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez

“I don’t think it is right to talk about other players of other teams. Right now we are totally focused on the next game, against West Brom. January or next season are very far for us.

“I repeat, it’s not right to talk about other players of other teams. It is a lack of respect for the player, the other team, my club and my players.”

On the January transfer window

“As I said before, it is a time to be focused on our next game. Then we’ll have four games before January and it’s important to be focused on these games.

“I am very happy with my squad and to work with these players. For this reason I don’t speak about January.”

On Cesc Fabregas

“As I have said in a previous press conference, Cesc is a good player and is part of my squad. I want him to stay here and I don’t see nothing (changing).”

On John Mikel Obi

“The situation is simple; he’s in the squad and is staying with us and we know that at the end of the season probably his contract is going to expire.

“I don’t know what will happen. Now he’s part of this squad. If I have to talk about a contract for players I prefer to talk with my club.”

On the fitness of Terry, Oscar and Matic

“John is recovering from his injury and now there is Oscar – he is sick. Matic is fit and has trained with us since Tuesday. I have tomorrow to evaluate the physical situation of every player and then decide the line-up for Sunday.”

On being title favourites

“It’s difficult to accept this because we have only played 14 games. There is the second part of the season still go.

“We started as an underdog this season. We are playing good football and winning a lot of games and it’s important to continue.

“It’s important that we don’t lose our hunger. This is very important for me. I am pleased to have won eight games in a row, but this is in the past.”

On Diego Costa

“Diego is playing good football and is very focused in every moment of games. I ask this of my players and he is a player who has always shown his passion but is showing this passion in the right way.”

On Andrea Pirlo visiting Chelsea

“I am pleased about this because Andrea was my player at Juventus for three years and we won together. He played great football and I’m very happy about his visit. We have a good relationship.

“Andrea came here only to visit. He has another year of his contract in America. He’s enjoying his football in America.”

On recent praise for David Luiz

“I think he always deserves this respect. He’s playing good football with great attention and concentration.

“I like this and he has to continue in this way – you can play fantastic football and then if you make a mistake it can change opinion. So, I always repeat: stay focused on our work and continue to improve.”