Howe can they doubt Conte?

to hit me, hit me. This is incorrect and I hate this type of situation.”

Conte has not found the going easy with Chelsea this season after a glorious first term.

Recent reports in Italy quoted him as being homesick, while these latest suggestions were passionately dismissed following phone conversations with both Holland and former Chelsea manager Ancelotti.

“I’m in touch with Carlo, he is my friend but he doesn’t mean [know] nothing,” he said. “Why, why? I don’t read a lot and the Holland issue I knew only because he sent me a message.

“I don’t care what the newspapers write about my future or the other person because this is our job and Carlo is my friend. I have great respect for him and he was my coach in Juventus.”

Chelsea will again be without N’Golo Kante for tonight’s trip to Bournemouth but Conte expects him to return for the Champions League game Roma next Tuesday.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes it is unthinkable that Conte is under pressure.

“He has brought a lot to the Premier League,” said Howe. “You see a lot of teams have now tinkered with three at the back, or five at the back, whatever you want to call it.

“He has played a massive part in that revolution.

“He has brought a lot of passion and drive to the sideline and you can see the demands that he has set on his team, that has been fascinating to watch.” with