Antonio Conte Aiming To Restore Chelsea To Top Four

Then they will head to the United States for three games in the International Champions Cup against Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan before completing their build-up away to CSKA Moscow on Sunday 7 August to mark the opening of the Russian club’s new stadium.

“We are under-rated a bit, and might slip under the radar”, Conte said, “but I hope there’s a small flame flickering here that can hopefully grow into a blazing inferno”.

The Senegal defender, who looked off the pace for much of the game, looked sluggish as the Brazilian striker was played through on goal before rounding Begovic.

“To win. To win the title”. He knows “only this verb: work, work, work” but is “very happy with this”. It excites me, this situation.

Hiddink gave the England Under-21 worldwide several opportunities in the first-team and he got his first goal under the Dutchman last season. I know only this: work, work and work. We need to go back to winning, to playing the Champions League and winning the title.

Chelsea’s second friendly will be on Wednesday when we face Austrian side RZ Pellets.

Conte, whose animated behaviour on the touchline was one of the more memorable features of the Euro, refused to compare himself to Mourinho.

Conte suggested Chelsea would not be among the title favorites.

“There are certain managers who are winners”.

“I leave you (the media) this opportunity to find a new name for me”.

“They must fit with our philosophy”.

Conte was inevitably asked about Mourinho, who announced his arrival in English football as the Special One 12 years ago. Rapid killed the game off in the 82nd minute after some more neat play.

Manolas now earns €1.5 million per year at AS Roma but both Chelsea and Arsenal are said to have tabled offers of €4 million and, of course, a chance to play in the biggest league in the world. “I’m very happy because I found a right attitude in Cobham (Chelsea’s Surrey training base)”. “Tottenham also. All teams”.

In his first official press conference as Chelsea manager, Conte told reporters: “Absolutely I think Michy can make an impact because he is a young player but very strong, with good technique”.

“I have passion and I want to transfer my passion to my players, also to my fans”, he said. “For us the most important thing now is to stay concentrated on the present, to work and to build a great future, because if we remain in the past it is not good for us”.