‘CONTE WANTS NEW PLAYERS, NOT HOME’

FORMER Chelsea chief Claudio Ranieri believes Antonio Conte is unhappy at Stamford Bridge because he is missing new signings – not his homeland.

Blues boss Conte admitted last month he did not want to “stay abroad for too long” and has not extended his contract beyond 2019.

But fellow Italian Ranieri (right), who was sacked by Roman Abramovich in 2004, said: “The Premier League remains the best and I’m not convinced of Conte’s desire to go home.

“Maybe he was expecting a different transfer window but for a few years, Roman has not paid crazy prices.

“Man City and Man United on the other hand have made big buys so I can imagine for Antonio to fight on more fronts with the same players is more tiring.”

Ranieri, 65, is now at Nantes, who are fourth in Ligue 1, but said the French club cannot emulate his Leicester side by becoming champions.

He said: “In training, I see the boys’ concentration, intensity, determination and attention to detail to improve like at Leicester. But Paris Saint-Germain have Neymar, Mbappe and Cavani. Only they can lose the title.”