Champs Chelsea are a happy family again

Antonio Conte was in his post-match news conference when David Luiz and Diego Costa barged past a couple of reporters and dragged their manager out of his chair and out of the room. “Guys, champions! Enough, enough!” Luiz roared.

Chelsea’s Premier League title-winning celebrations were in full flow and the players wanted Conte to be part of it.

Life at Chelsea can resemble a soap opera at times but it has been one big happy family at Stamford Bridge this season. It’s all down to Conte. The popular Italian was the first to get the “bumps” — the celebratory ritual where a person is thrown in the air — after Chelsea’s 1-0 win at West Brom on Friday that clinched the title.

Conte paced the field postmatch, hugging people repeatedly, and was right in the middle of a line of players as they sprinted toward Chelsea’s fans and dived on the wet turf.

Back in the dressing room, Conte walked through the door after some TV interviews and was soaked by a huge bucket of water. Then, Costa was among the players dousing Conte in champagne.

Costa was the life and soul of the post-match party, another testament to Conte, who has got the striker happy and playing close to his best again this season. Costa reportedly was one of the players who fell out with Jose Mourinho last season, contributing to the negative atmosphere that engulfed the club as it finished in 10th place. Similarly, Eden Hazard is working hard and playing with a smile on his face, which couldn’t be said last season when he only scored his first goal in April and was dropped from the team for some matches.

Conte also has managed club captain John Terry’s gradual fading out from the first team with grace and class.

GIVE AND TAKE

For a club that can be toxic, there have been few flashpoints in the first season under Conte.

“I thank them for their commitment and work rate,” Conte said of his players. “They show me a great attitude to try to do something great this season.”

Of course, winning regularly helps to foster a happy atmosphere. It will be harder for Conte next season, with Chelsea facing a tougher schedule owing to its return to the Champions League and being the target once again in the Premier League.

Diego Costa could leave for China, while John Terry’s departure will deprive the club of so much experience and leadership.