REQUIRED PREMIER TEAMS SO ‘WORN OUT’
no longer getting the best out of his squad.
Since winning the title last season, the Italian has continually criticised the Chelsea board, demanding more investment. Conte, who will have a year left on his contract in the summer after refusing a lucrative extension, is still keen on a return to Italy – ANTONIO CONTE has warned that English teams will struggle to win the Champions League – because they are worn out by the Premier League. Chelsea face the toughest draw with Barcelona, as they renew their longrunning rivalry with them.
Conte believes Premier League clubs are a force to be reckoned with again – especially with five teams in the last 16 – but doubts whether any of them can go all the way. Blues boss Conte, whose side face a fixture pile-up with away games at Barcelona and both Manchester clubs in the space of a month, said: “English teams dominated. Four teams arrived at the top of the group.
“It means they are really strong, it’ll be difficult to face English teams especially in February. But then in March, April, when you accumulate many games in the legs of the players it will be more difficult for English teams to reach something important.
“But this could be the right season for an English team to win the Champions League. “It’s a draw and our and Chelsea are now unlikely to stand in his way.
PSG have also made Conte their No.1 target to replace
Unai Emery (right), who is under mounting pressure.
Chelsea were expected to compete with City this season but the Blues were humbled at home by Pep Guardiola’s side at the end of September and have since reaction must be positive. As I know very well you must be ready to face everything and in this case you must ready to face Barcelona.”
The two sides have been involved in some memorable battles – 12 times in the knockout stages, and Chelsea beat them in the semi-final on the way to the trophy in 2012.
Incredibly, Lionel Messi has never scored against Chelsea and now Eden Hazard will be desperate to try to take centre stage.
Conte (left) added: “The past is the past. Now is the present and it is another story.
“This is a good chance for every player to show the right value, not only Hazard but every player has to play in the right way.” (February 13 and March 7) Basel v Manchester City (February 13 and March 7) Porto v Liverpool (February 14 and March 6) Real Madrid v PSG (February 14 and March 6) Chelsea v Barcelona (February 20 and March 14)
(February 20 and March 14) Sevilla v Manchester United (February 21 and March 13)
(February 21 and March 13) been left trailing in their wake. Brazilian winger Willian has complained about his lack of firstteam action and Conte’s relationship with defender David Luiz remains fragile. Conte’s treatment of Diego Costa – axing the striker before telling the board – has not been forgotten. Nor have his public criticisms of the club’s transfer policy.