Conte served defeat on debut; praises Kante
WIGAN, UNITED KINGDOM: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has urged patience with new recruit Eric Bailly, saying that the defender will take time to adapt to the demands of England’s top flight following his move from Spain.
Bailly, Mourinho’s first signing since he took over from Louis van Gaal, put on an impressive display for United as the visitors beat Wigan 2-0 in a friendly on Saturday.
The 22-year-old was part of a Villarreal defence that conceded just 35 goals in 38 league matches last season.
“He’s a very young boy coming from a completely different environment, but you could see what he is at this moment,” Mourinho told British media.
“This was the first time he has worn a shirt like the Manchester United shirt. He can’t speak English and can only communicate with the ones who are French-speakers or Spanish.
“I wanted to give him more minutes because he needs to play more than others. He needs to feel it and start communicating.”
The former Chelsea manager also likened the Ivory Coast international to defender Raphael Varane, whom he coached at Real Madrid.
“I will give him everything to try to make him better and better, like I did with other central defenders I’ve had in my hands,” Mourinho added.
Meanwhile, Mourinho’s first game as manager of Manchester United ended in a short trip and comfortable 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Championship side Wigan Athletic at their DW Stadium.
It was a weakened United line-up at the disposal of their new manager given that 14 players who represented their countries in the Euros and Copa America were unavailable and have yet to return to training. VIENNA: Chelsea coach Antonio Conte hailed the signing of N’Golo Kante after the France international joined from Premier League champions Leicester City on Saturday.
Kante became Chelsea’s second major signing this month after the Blues paid a reported £32 million (`283.28 crore). “I want to say Kante was a target and for this reason I’m very happy the club bought the player,” said Conte, after watching Chelsea lose 2-0 to Rapid Vienna in his first match in charge. “He’s a good player. He has good technique, fantastic stamina and I like this type of player. If you want to win then a team needs this type of player that works hard.
“All together we are working to improve the squad. We know we have to but we prefer to wait and go for our targets, rather than go with emotion and take the players who don’t adapt to our idea of football.” Conte fielded an experienced side with John Terry as captain against Rapid. The Italian also handed starts to several firstteam regulars including Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, Willian and Branislav Ivanovic, but the English giants fell behind when Brazilian Joelinton scored after just eight minutes.