TO TAKE FOR US BUT OM THE BRIDGE NOW
nt to speak about the future – but yes, of am committed to Chelsea.” ll be welcome news to Conte after he Chelsea must retain all their leading they are serious about taking on the the continent in next year’s Champions striker Diego Costa is reportedly for a bank-busting move to China, playmaker Eden Hazard is on Real radar while Conte, himself, is the target ling Serie A giants Inter Milan. whether he is 100 per cent certain to be ord Bridge next season, the ex-Italy s message to anyone who would listen y clear. who bagged a hat-trick of back-to-back tles as Juventus supremo, replied: “Yes. rted our work here and now we have to next season. “This club wants to win every competition. We share the same ambitions – and for this reason we must try to keep all our best players.”
In dealing with a strong-minded character like Costa, especially when he allegedly threatened to down tools after being told he could not leave in January, Conte demonstrated his outstanding man-management skills.
Yet, as far as he is concerned, that is all part of being an elite coach amid the money-spinning world of the modern game.
“In every season there are moments when you have to find the right answer,” claimed Conte.
“This is why I have to thank my players because they trusted in my work.
“We’ve worked together for only nine months but the players now know my ideas and I know their characteristics. That’s why I believe we can still get much better.”
Stamford Bridge legend Frank Lampard is convinced the relatively new manager has laid the foundations for another dynasty of dominance.
The former England man said: “Antonio is Chelsea’s man of the season.
“He inherited a squad that had won the league two years before but were on a real downer.
“But just as Mourinho turned Chelsea into winners, Antonio has brought back a similar passion, organisation and winning mentality.”