Antonio Conte fears difficult season in store for Chelsea
Frustrated by Chelsea’s transfer miscues and under pressure from big-spending rivals, team Antonio Conte admits this season will be the toughest of his career.
Just three months ago, the Chelsea manager was all smiles as he soaked up the acclaim of Stamford Bridge at the climax of his team’s Premier League title triumph.
But those blissful memories have been overshadowed by a troubled close-season that has put the Chelsea manager on edge ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal at Wembley.
Conte is annoyed by Chelsea’s inability to land his key transfer targets, with Romelu Lukaku, Alex Sandro and Leonardo Bonucci all eluding the Italian.
Making matters worse, Lukaku moved to title rivals Manchester United, while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has spent over £200 million on new signings.
Add in fractious negotiations over his new contract and a bitter feud with Chelsea striker Diego Costa and it’s easy to understand why the former Juventus boss rates the challenge ahead as the most daunting of his glittering career.
“For me it will be the most difficult season of my career. I’m sure about this,” Conte said. “There are many reasons that suggest to me next season will be very tough.
“I have this perception. I hope I am mistaken. In England the pressure is high. This league is the strongest in the world.
“You have six teams ready to fight for the title and only one wins it. You want to fight until the end for the title, but it won’t be easy.”
Despite spending over £100 million on Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antonio Rudiger, Conte believes his squad is painfully short of strength in depth.
Nemanja Matic and John Terry have departed, Bakayoko and Eden Hazard will miss the start of the season with injuries, and Costa is in exile while Chelsea try to find a buyer following Conte’s text message spat with the Spain striker.
Conte’s angst was clear when he was pressed on the transfer situation during a media briefing on Friday.