Juve got to hail an Invincible
BY CARL ASKEW ANTONIO CONTE knows just how difficult it is to lead a team of Invincibles.
After all, the Italian did just that during his days in charge of Juventus.
So no wonder the Chelsea gaffer was quick to pay tribute to outgoing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who famously did it with Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Co in 2003-04.
Arsenal’s record at the end of that campaign read: Played 38, won 26, drawn 12 as they finished 11 points clear of second-placed Chelsea.
The achievement will forever be part of Premier League folklore.
Conte did it with Juve eight years later and his record read: Played 38, won 23, drawn 15. But they ended up pipping AC Milan to the title by just four points.
The Chelsea boss recalled: “With Juventus we did the same. In my first season. To win a title without losing, it’s not simple. It’s an incredible achievement.
“I remember that season. When we talk about Arsene, we have to remember the whole story and show great respect. We must pay great tribute because we are talking about a really important manager, one of the best in the world with Sir Alex Ferguson.”
Conte loved the mindset Juventus had during their unbeaten season.
He added: “When you have this type of season, your confidence, your feeling, becomes very strong.
“You feel it’s very difficult for people to beat you, that momentum is with you.
“You become invincible in your mind. You start the game and you know, in your heart and your soul, that it will be very difficult for your opponent to beat you.”