CONTE: I’M MORE LAID-BACK THIS SEASON (HONEST)

ANTONIO CONTE insists he is more relaxed this season than last despite Chelsea’s troublesome summer.

Blues boss Conte has at times looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

And it is no surprise given his close season has included a less-than-perfect transfer window, the Diego Costa saga, injuries and suspensions, plus an openingday home defeat by Burnley.

But asked about his grumpy demeanour, Conte said: “Honestly, I’m very calm. I’m more relaxed than I was last season.

“Last season was my first time. Now, after a year of experience, I have learned a lot.

“For this reason I think I am more relaxed and am enjoying things more than last season. Honestly.”

Conte, who led Chelea to the Premier League title in his first season in charge, said off-thepitch tensions are nothing unusual at a big club.

He said: “When you are at a great team, this is normal. In Italy, at a club like Juventus or Inter Milan, it’s the same.”

Conte did look a little more like his usual passionate self on the touchline at Wembley last week as he celebrated Marcos Alonso’s winner for a depleted Chelsea against Tottenham.

The former Italy boss, whose side host big-spending Everton tomorrow lunchtime, said: “For sure that was a big win. A big win. I think this type of win helps you to improve your confidence and make you want to work harder than before.”

Chelsea (who trained yesterday, left) have been without Eden Hazard so Conte was not pleased to hear that Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, former gaffer at Everton, had called him up for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Belgium host Gibraltar on 31 August followed by a trip to Greece on September 3.

Martinez picked Hazard despite the winger, recovering from ankle surgery, not playing a competitive match.

Conte said: “I’m surprised about this decision. I was a coach in the national team with Italy so I respect the decision of the other coach. But I don’t think he can play. If Hazard is ready, why doesn’t he play with us? Why is he playing with the Under-23s to continue to try and improve his form?

“I see him every day – it’s very important to give players time to recover.

“Hazard is an important player for us. If someone tries to accelerate the process...I think it’s not the right way. “It’s a great mistake.” Conte will need a fully-fit squad to cope with a gruelling fixture list next month.

The return of the Champions League, along with a Carabao Cup fixture against Championship side Nottingham Forest, means the Blues will play seven games in just three weeks.

“We are going to play seven games in a month and I need to rotate,” he said.

“If someone thinks I can use only 11 players or 13 players, it’s just impossible. But we must be ready.”