New Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte, Thursday, addressed the media for the first time since taking charge of the club.
The Italian tactician who finally arrived the Blues Cobham training facility a day earlier, made public his plans and expectations for the coming season.
Welcome to Chelsea, Antonio Conte! pic.twitter.com/8SFTyjPU1T
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 14, 2016
There’s been so much buzz and excitement surrounding his appointment considering Chelsea’s disastrous title defence in which they finished 10th last season.
Here we highlight six things we learnt from the 48-year-old during his debut press conference.
- A coach is like a tailor
Conte likened his current role with the Blues to that of a tailor who is expected to make the perfect dress for their clients.
“The coach is a tailor who must make the best dress for the team. Last season in 10th was a bad season, but we must think to the present.”
- Chelsea a potential blazing inferno
After a disappointing campaign last term, Conte admits it will be “very, very difficult” to win the Premier League but hopes he can upset the odds.
“I hope we can surprise people, that there is a small flame flickering that can grow into a blazing inferno.”
- He has not chosen a nickname
Jose Mourinho called himself the Special One, while Jurgen Klopp choose the Normal One, but Conte had a different thought.
“I’m not very good to find a different name,” said a cheerful Conte. “I hope during the season I give you this opportunity to find a new name for me. I hope it’s a good name, not bad!”.
- Won’t compare self with Mourinho
When asked about Manchester United gaffer, Mourinho, Conte responded by saying: “It’s tough to compare people. There are managers who are winners. I think, regardless of the job they do, there is a winning mentality certain coaches have. I believe there are winners in football and not everyone has that.”
- Team spirit over tactics
Conte, who has won five Serie A titles as a player and three as a manager, became known for using a 3-5-2 system during his time with Juventus and the Italian national team but insists the team spirit is paramount.
“Three at the back? Four at the back? It’s not important. What’s important is the right spirit of the team and to give good organisation. I think I can improve my players a lot.”
- Will be calling Ranieri
Premier League Champions, Leicester City gaffer, Claudio Ranieri, has gotten an unlikely disciple in Conte.
“In the coming days I will call Ranieri for a bit of advice. I am clued up on the customs of this country. When you move to a new country it’s important to come in with a low profile and get to grips with the new customs,” Conte said.
Ranieri, by the way, was the first manager fired by Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.
