THE PLOT THICKENS
But Conte’s up for the fight
CHELSEA manager Antonio Conte has come out fighting and vowed to prove wrong those who plot against him.
The Italian is upset by constant rumours his job is under threat despite winning the title last season.
Conte declared he will stay and fight and complete the remainder of his contract, which ends next summer.
He is angry his every move is highlighted and becomes a negative and believes dark deeds are behind a Machiavellian plot.
A Chelsea spokesman claimed the club is not responsible while Conte (left) denies he is trying to find a way out of Stamford Bridge.
The Blues boss spoke after admitting they needed to sign three more players in the transfer window amid rumours that Italian FA official Alessandro Costacurta was flying to London to persuade him to become national boss again. Conte said: “Machiavelli? I know him. As you know, I don’t have relationships here with the journalists. I want to see if there is one to tell the opposite.
“Every speculation that arrives in England, I don’t know where it arrived from.
“In Italy, I think the speculation today is that Costacurta (below) wants to come here and speak about the national team.
“But, as you know very well, until yesterday Costacurta was a pundit, not a person who understands the rules.
“Maybe he forgot I have a contract with Chelsea so it’s not possible to speak with me or Roberto Mancini. Maybe with
Carlo Ancelotti. Maybe.
“One thing I must be very clear about. I don’t have interest about this speculation or rumours.
“I don’t like to have relationships with journalists.
“Not because you don’t like me but I’m used to this.
“You can ask in Italy, also. If I have to give news, it’s for all. Not only for one, two or three.
“So any speculation about my job and leaving is not coming from me.”
With that a Chelsea spokesman cut in saying: “It’s not coming from me, either.”
Conte added: “But don’t forget the history of this club. It’s always the same. Not only with me. Also with other coaches. I understand this and it’s normal.
“I don’t understand why other coaches are not under pressure after a defeat in the way that you are doing with me.
“But, I repeat, this is not a problem because I don’t read it or go online.
“Why is pressure on me and not others (like Arsene Wenger)? I would expect it after 20 years, not after 18 months. Don’t forget, last season we won the league as underdogs.” Conte is confident he still has the backing of the dressing room and rumours have not affected his players.
He added: “The players are used to this speculation. And many have said they don’t want a repeat of what happened in the past. “But it’s normal. The history is this, we can’t change the history of the club.
“I love it here, the fans, stadiums, atmosphere – but I can’t speak of the future. “My ambition is to have another season in England and to respect my contract. To complete this path. This is my desire. Then we will see what happens – and anything can.” Conte knows this year’s title race is over but he does not want to see Chelsea buying players again just for the sake of it – he prefers quality rather than quantity. He added: “I think we must be realistic and understand our level. Now we have to fight for a Champions League place and we must be strong.
“Then, in the future, if there is the possibility, you have to try to buy only two or three players – not eight players. “Don’t forget, this summer we brought in eight players and spent a lot less than other teams who bought only two or three. But now we have to buy world class.
“In the summer we changed eight players but that means you don’t have a basis, a great foundation.
“So we must have patience and understand that, now, we have to be realistic, create a basis and then build something important to face big challenges with the other teams.” Watford v Chelsea, Tomorrow, SS Main Event, 8pm