Following in steps of The Special One
ANTONIO CONTE hopes to be given the opportunity to emulate Jose Mourinho’s success at Chelsea.
Mourinho won Chelsea’s first championship in 50 years in 2005 and is the most successful manager in the club’s history after two spells. Now he is Manchester United boss.
Conte is the permanent successor to the self-proclaimed Special One, who left Stamford Bridge for a second time last December, seven months after his third Premier League title triumph.
Former Italy and Juventus boss Conte was appointed in April and took charge in July, tasked with reviving Chelsea after a tumultuous season last term, when the Blues finished 10th in the Premier League. But it will take time.
“Jose was a very important manager in the story of this club,” Conte said.
“I hope to work with this club for many years and to build something important.
“It’s important now to work a lot, work really hard and to build something important.
“When I signed my contract with Chelsea I signed for three years. My mind is to stay here for three years and to build with the club success for this club.”
Conte, who recently laughed off reports he was poised to be sacked, was asked if Chelsea can be champions this season.
The Italian knows the Premier League is highly competitive and stopped short of setting targets, focusing on the work ahead rather than the outcome.
“My mind is always to give the maximum in work,” he added.
“Only one team can win the title. You must understand always the situation and then you work.
“It’s important when I come back to my house that) my conscience is very clear.
“It’s important to give my all always, every day. Work, work, work, to build, to work, then you’ll see at theendoftheseason.”
Conte gave little away on his starting XI, but says John Terry is important irrespective of whether he plays.
He added: “This situation is normal. When I was a footballer and I was captain sometimes it happened that I didn’t play.
“But I always helped the team and the coach to create the right atmosphere.”