Conte on his future, Pirlo, Ake, Moses, Spurs, Man City fracas and a visit from Ranieri
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was asked about a number of issues at his news conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Bournemouth. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
Conte on Victor Moses
“Victor Moses trained with us yesterday and today. I will have to check his situation and then make the best decision for the team, but he is available.
“Victor has shown he is an important player for us but in the matches against Crystal Palace and Manchester City we showed we can do the same (without him) and that is important.
“We are a team and we are not 11 single players. If you are working as a team you must be ready to find a right solution when some players miss games.”
On the decision to take Nathan Ake back from Bournemouth
“Yes, I think it was the right decision because for us it was important (for Ake) to stay in our squad and also because for us it is important to check our players and then see the improvement.
“If we find a player to stay in our squad and to give him the possibility to show me and the club the capacity (to play), why not?
“I am happy to have Nathan with us. It is not easy when you arrive and before you there are five centre-backs who are all very good.
“I am pleased with his attitude and commitment. He is a good player and it was right to bring him here with us.”
On facing Bournemouth
“For us this is a great challenge. It is another tough game. For me Bournemouth is a really good team with a good coach.
“We must pay great attention, because if we think it is going to be easy we are making a great mistake.”
On more reports he could leave this summer
“I don’t know why. I can think it is normal to try to involve my name because they want me to come back to Italy.
“I stay here and am very happy to stay here. This is the most important thing. I have two more years with Chelsea and this is the truth.”
On reports of a tunnel fracas after the Man City game
“Honestly, no, I didn’t see nothing because I was in the changing room to stay with my players. I didn’t see it, but it’s not important what happened in the tunnel.
“The most important thing is what happens on the pitch – and I think a lot of people enjoyed this game. This is the most important thing for us.”
On speculation Andrea Pirlo could become his assistant
“In this period I am listening to a lot (of speculation) and this is very strange for example.
“Pirlo is playing and wants to continue to playing. I don’t know why someone wants to put out this type of situation, but in football it is normal.
“It is important to be focused on the present, which is more important than the future. I prefer to be focused on the present and make this season a great season, not just a good season.”
On Claudio Ranieri visiting the training ground
“Claudio is a good friend and I was very pleased to see him in Cobham to chat and spend time together. It was good to see him and I hope to see him again this season.
“We have spoken about his experience in England and my experience – the different way to train when you compare England to Italy. It was a good chat and I wish for him the best in the future.
“He deserves another job and my hope for him is this. He is ready to take another job. He is a top manager and top coach. I’m sure he will find a new job.”
On Spurs playing first on Saturday
“I don’t think it’s an advantage, because the pressure is the same whether they win, lose or draw. You will have good pressure.
“But it is very important for us to look at ourselves, not look at the others. Tottenham’s result is important but our result is the most important.
“I see two teams in this race – Chelsea and Tottenham – but anything can happen. There are 24 points (to play for) and other rivals can go into this race.”
