Not so fast, Vincent
It’s first blood to Manchester City at the Etihad. But skipper Vincent Kompany’s celebrations were cut short by United.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte insists his friend Gian luca Vialli was wrong to claim he “can’t wait” to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Vialli, himself a former Blues manager, spoke about Conte’s future earlier this week, saying his fellow Italian and former Juventus teammate was ready to leave Chelsea.
Conte delivered the Premier League title last year in his first season in England, but has suffered a demoralising campaign this time around, with the club lying 11 points off a place in the top four.
Such a season has seen Conte’s long-term status at Stamford Bridge come under intense scrutiny, with Vialli speaking about the situation on Sky Sport Italia.
He said: “Conte can’t wait to leave Chelsea, he can’t stand that they sell or buy players without consulting him.”
But, ahead of Chelsea’s London derby meeting with West Ham today, Con te hit back by claiming he has not spoken to Vialli for some time.
“Don’t forget that now Gianluca Vialli for many years is working for Sky, he is a journalist,” he said.
“He is a friend, but he is a journalist and I have great respect for him but I can tell you I’m not talking (to him) since one year. Now I think his role brings him to say something about my situation. This is not the only person that is doing this.”
Vialli, a former Chelsea boss in his own right, now works in television.
“With Gianluca, we played together for many years at Juventus, he was my captain, we won the Champions League together and I consider him a friend. I understand because he is now a journalist and he has to give news to Sky and to try to speak about my situation.”
“Those who know me very well, they know me, they know that in this moment I am very angry. I am very sad for this situation.
“Those who know me ver y well know I am trying to put all of myself to change this situation because I have great responsibility.”
Meanwhile, Conte has paid his respects to Chelsea legend Ray Wilkins following his death earlier this week.
Conte spoke about his meetings with Wilkins and what his loss means to the club.
“It was tragic news for us,” he said. “We are talking about a really good person. I was lucky to know him and speak with him many times.
“He was a legend for this club, an ambassador for football.
“We a re ver y sad because it is very difficult to accept this news. This is a big loss.”