Conte on his future, Chelsea’s two targets, possible exits and the captaincy
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was asked about a number of issues at his news conference ahead of Sunday’s game against Sunderland. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
Conte on Sunday’s game
“On Sunday we have two targets; to try to win 30 games in this league, which would be an unbelievable target for us, and to help Thibaut Courtois to win the Golden Glove. We also want to to prepare the right way the FA Cup final against Arsenal.
“It is important to celebrate because this title is a great win, for me, for the players, for the club and for our fans.On Sunday we have to try to win the game and then to celebrate this league is very important.”
On whether John Terry will start
“I think in this situation it’s important to take your time and take the best decision for him because I think John deserves the best for this reason. I think on Sunday we will see what happens.
“It will be a surprise, because it’s important to take the best decision for him. He is a legend for this club and this season he has been very important for us winning the title. I have to take my time to make the best decision.”
On whether Terry will continue playing
“We all know he wants to play regularly. For this reason he has decided to leave because he wants to play every week and he has the possibility to do this. “He is still strong and the moment I called him to play he showed this.
“When you arrive at this point in your career it is very important that you feel you still have the desire to work very hard.
“If you feel this then it is right to continue to play and I think John has all of these characteristics.”
On whether players might leave
“First of all, the player must have pleasure to stay at Chelsea. This is the first important thing for me.
“For me it is very important that every single player who wants to stay at Chelsea has the pleasure to stay at Chelsea.”
On the importance of his change of formation
“To change was very important because we found the right suit for these players. I think it was very important.
“We continued to work very hard, but that is a simple word. When I speak and say hard work, it means hard work. Anyone can say it but in reality it doesn’t happen. But it happened.
“I had players who wanted to improve and I think this was the secret. I want to say thanks to my players.
“Every single manager can have a good idea of football, but then there are players and if they don’t go into the idea then it is very difficult.”
On whether Gary Cahill will be captain next season
“Gary is our vice-captain this season and put the armband on every time John didn’t play. He has a good prospect to be a captain, but we have to finish this season and not think about next season.”
“Gary is our vice-captain this season and put the armband on every time John didn’t play. He has a good prospect to be a captain, but we have to finish this season and not think about next season.”
On his own future
“It is important to repeat that I have two years to go on my contract. For me and the players it is very important to finish this season.”
