Conte ‘didn’t perform a miracle’ with Chelsea – Ancelotti

FORMER Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has said Antonio Conte “did not perform a miracle” in leading his side to Premier League glory – but praised his fellow Italian nonetheless after the Blues secured the title on Friday night.

Conte has now won four successive domestic titles as a manager after his triple success at Juventus between 2012 and 2014.

His side beat West Brom 1-0 on Friday to confirm their status as champions with two games to spare, despite an unconvincing start to the 2016/17 campaign.

Although Ancelotti praised Conte for his role in the club’s success, and for introducing the hugely successful 3-5-2 formation that provided the bedrock to Chelsea’s upturn in form, he pointed out that the Italian initially needed some time to settle.

“Conte didn’t perform a miracle or anything, but he did do very well,” the 57-year-old told Italia.

“He imposed his idea of football and had the courage to change. When he got settled into the things that he knows better than anyone else, it made the difference.

“When he realised things weren’t going well, he changed the system completely and found the keys to this campaign.”

Former player Frank Lampard went further than Ancelotti, suggesting that the Italian has all the ingredients to establish a lasting legacy at the club.

Asked if he thought Conte could go on to build a dynasty, former Chelsea midfielder Lampard said: “I think so. If you’re a Chelsea fan that’s what you’re hoping for now. The way he’s held himself this year and the results have been different class.

“I think he’s going to be backed, and he does need backing. It’s a great squad of players they’ve got there. Maybe a Sky freshen up, don’t lose your best players and add one or two at the top end.

“They are by far the strongest team this year.

“The consistency, the desire, the quality in the team - they deserve it, and they deserve that mo- ment with their own fans.

“It will be a big test next year. The formation they play won’t be a surprise for anybody and all the other teams behind them will be back stronger.” – The Independent