‘Dream move to Paris’ for Wendel
Coach concedes team’s on-and-off form not enough
Paris – Paris Saint-Germain will reinforce their midfield with the latest Brazilian wonderkid Wendel in the January transfer window, the player’s agent told French daily L’Equipe yesterday.
The 20-year-old is under contract with Rio outfit Fluminense where he is enjoying a remarkable breakout season, but has now agreed to “a dream move to Paris”, the agent, Carlos Henrique Brasil, told L’Equipe.
The player would be seen as a long-term replacement for midfield general Thiago Motta, now 35, but may first be loaned out to Porto until in July next year.
“Whatever PSG decide Wendel is ready, he’s got lots of personality and lots of heart,” the agent said.
The ambitious French club signed two Brazilians in the striker Neymar and defender Dani Alves in the current season and they also have Braziliam defenders Thiago Silva and Marquinos in their books. United Kingdom – Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says he would rather be honest than pretend he believes his team are realistic contenders for the Premier League title.
Conte claimed after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat away at West Ham United that his side’s defence of their title was effectively over.
He was happy with the way his players responded in Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Huddersfield Town, but cautioned they are still 11 points behind leaders Manchester City, who were due to play their game in hand at Swansea City last night.
“I think that when you tell the truth, it’s the truth,” Conte told reporters at the John Smith’s Stadium.
“When you have a competitor like M anchester City who are winning every game, it’s very difficult to think you can fight for the title.”
Conte rubbished suggestions his stance was unduly negative after a win secured by goals from Tiemoue Bakayoko, Willian and Pedro.
“People say I talk negative or positive things. It’s bull***t. It’s about being realistic,” said the Italian.
“I want to always tell the truth. I would rather tell the truth than tell a good lie.
“We have a big leap to make and we need to win every game in this league. This league is very difficult.
“You have to give 120% of yourself in every game or risk dropping points.
“There are six teams to fight for the title and the Champions League. We have to look at ourselves to try to improve. Tonight, I enjoyed my players’ performance.”
Bakayoko atoned for a poor performance at West Ham by scoring the opening goal with a dinked finish before Willian added a second with a header and Pedro blasted in a third.
France midfielder Bakayoko has struggled for form since his £40-million (R727-million) move from Monaco in July, but Conte said this was his best performance in a Chelsea shirt.
“Bakayoko played a really good game tonight and I’m really happy for him,” he said.
“He’s 22 years old and I think he’s adapting to English football.
‘ ‘ I would rather tell the truth than tell a good lie