Conte on injuries, Costa’s future and why he’s not looking to keep players happy
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was asked about a number of issues at his news conference ahead of Monday’s game against Middlesbrough. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
Conte on Cesc Fabregas
“I think he is playing very well this season. His level is very high, with great commitment, work-rate and behaviour for the whole season.
“He is a top player and if he starts the game or comes in during the games I think he is always decisive for us.”
On whether he can keep Fabregas happy at the club
“I like to underline the concept: I must not keep happy a player – we must win.
“I think that my target is to put in the mind a winning mentality – it doesn’t exist to keep the players happy.
“I don’t want this, I want players who are ready to fight and put themselves in the team to win together. This is very important.”
On reports Diego Costa could move to China
“I don’t know. I don’t know about this. I think now it is very important that every single player – every single person who works for Chelsea – to be focused on the present.
“The present is very important for us. The present is more important than the future. It is important to be focused, to be concentrated, to prepare in the right way for these five games until the end of the season.
“I am not worried about this because I see my players every day and I am seeing the right concentration and focus.
“The important thing is our target. Speculation to me is not important.”
On Chelsea’s injury concerns
“Thibaut Courtois trained today and yesterday. I don’t see a problem about him.
“We are struggling with two situations, with David Luiz and N’Golo Kante, but there are three more days before the Middlesbrough game. I have the time to make the best decision about them.”
On social media policy
“I am a disaster in this situation, with social media. This topic is not simple to face.
“I think every person must use it in the right way, with balance. When you use social media and you don’t have the right balance it is always dangerous.
“You must use it in the right way. I don’t like to ban something but you have to have the right balance.”
On facing Middlesbrough
“There are two teams with desperation to find the result. Middlesbrough have to win if they want to stay here (the Premier League) next season. The same for us is that we have to win. For this reason I think Monday will be a good game.”
