Conte on his and Batshuayi’s future, Moses, Hazard’s injury and dealing with West Ham
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was asked about a number of issues at his press conference ahead of Monday’s game at West Ham. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
On whether he has received an offer from Inter Milan
“Me personally? No.”
On his future
“I think the situation is very clear. I have a contract with Chelsea and we are trying to do something important with the club for the present and for the future.
“The only problem for me is that the family is missing me for sure.
“They stay in Italy and I am working for the future to try to bring them here and to stay together, because my family is missing me.
“The story (that he could leave) tells this, but I am not worried.
“With my players I want to work very hard and I think we have to continue in this way to do something important this season, because we are in the right position.”
On Eden Hazard
“We have a little problem for Eden. In training on Wednesday he got a kick, but I think it’s nothing serious. Everyone else is fit.”
On facing West Ham
“I think that we must pay attention in the whole squad and team because in the cup they beat us (in the EFL Cup).
“The result wasn’t good. For sure we want to take three points in this game. It is a difficult game because we all know the difficulty in this type of game – a derby against West Ham.
“We are preparing very well in the right way with the right commitment and focus.
“It will be tough. It will be pressure, positive or negative pressure, but we are ready to to play this game and to try to do better than the last game.”
On dealing with Andy Carroll
“For sure Andy Carroll is a really good player, very strong physically and we must pay good attention.
“We are preparing different solutions to try to limit the strength of our opponents but it is important for us to play our football, with our philosophy to try to play, to try to score and defend very well with high intensity.”
On whether Michy Batshuayi has a future at Chelsea
“The most important thing is the present. To work hard in the present and then at the end of the season we will see every situation with every single player.
“Now he is working very well for us. He must continue to work and everything can happen.
“If he shows me he deserves to play I am ready to put him in the starting 11. If this doesn’t happen then we will continue this way.”
On Victor Moses’ new contract
“It is right that Victor Moses deserves a new contract. He is a really good guy and a good player with a good technique and a great desire to fight. I think he deserved this.
“When I saw him during pre-season I was very pleased with him to stay here for the whole season. He told me he was very happy to try to prove himself.
“He said ‘I am ready to play for Chelsea’. I am pleased for him.”
