Willian: No chance I’d still be at Chelsea if Conte was in charge
Willian says there is “no chance” he would still be at Chelsea if Antonio Conte had remained in charge.
The Brazil international was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge for much of the summer, with the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona reportedly interested.
Willian was one of several Chelsea players whose relationship with Conte deteriorated last season. The 30-year-old winger was quoted this month as claiming that the former Chelsea manager was “very difficult to work with”.
Rumours of Conte’s sacking hung over the club all summer and, despite returning to take the start of pre-season training, the man who delivered the Premier League title in 2017 was replaced by Maurizio Sarri.
Willian has since revealed he turned down Barcelona to remain at Chelsea and, having played 76 minutes of their opening-day victory at Huddersfield Town, said he is still at the club because Conte has departed.
When asked if he would be in blue with Conte at the helm this season, he told the London Evening Standard: “No chance. No. I’m here because I want to play for Chelsea. I will only leave if Chelsea want me to go.”
After starting their Premier League season under Sarri with a comfortable 3-0 win at the John Smith’s Stadium, Chelsea face Unai Emery’s Arsenal at home on Saturday. Despite a good recent record against the Gunners, Chelsea struggled against their rivals during Conte’s leadership.
Willian believes a new tactical approach can help Sarri beat fellow Premier League newcomer Emery.
“I think we have a good chance to turn the results around against them because now we have a different way to play football,” he said.
“The manager tells us to play, to enjoy ourselves on the pitch, with responsibility. Now we have a different style, that’s why we can create problems for Arsenal.”