Conte praises bonus for trophies

CHELSEA’S policy of rewarding players with a financial bonus only for delivering trophies and not simply for winning games or finishing in the top four has met with the approval of Antonio Conte.

The Italian has seen his team win five in a row to move within a point of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

He won Manager of the Month for October but is not satisfied with a hot patch of form in autumn if it does not lead to silverware in spring.

“When you win a game you win a battle, one battle,” said Conte. “When you win a trophy, you win the war.

“I love to win the war. But we know this championship is very difficult.

“There are a lot of good teams and to win the war it is important also to win the battles.

“One is a consequence of the other.”

Chelsea’s step away from performance-related bonuses was introduced during Jose Mourinho’s second spell at Stamford Bridge but it is in line with Conte’s philosophy.

He fears his side’s rhythm may be disrupted by the international break and has been working to refocus his players since they returned this week.

“I must be honest, there is the possibility our momentum stops,” Conte said.

“It was a pity to stop for the international break. It is important to re-start in the right way.

“It is normal that the focus is a bit low in this situation.

“When you win five or six in a row this is what you think about. We are working very hard to avoid it. We have a tough game against a strong team.”

The Chelsea manager confirmed Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, key men hurt on international duty, are fit for today’s game at Middlesbrough.

“For me now, Diego is one of the best strikers in the world,” said Conte.

“He must continue working in this way, with his commitment and work-rate.

“He is showing he can control himself and it is fantastic to see his work during games, and also in training.”

Hazard won Player of the Month for October, confirmation of a return to his best form, and he too has eyes fixed on another Premier League title.

“If I ever leave it’ll be after winning a championship,” said the Belgian.

“You need to go out on a high so people remember you for the right reasons.”

After last season, there are signs Chelsea are moving with Hazard, once more in the right direction.

“Eden has the potential to do great things in his career,” said Conte.

“For us, now, it’s important he’s putting himself in the team. That’s the best for us.

“I see a chance to build something important here with Chelsea, with a new method and philosophy.

“It’s logical that you want to fight until the end, to win the title or a place in the Champions League but for me, now, I don’t talk about this.

It’s most important to continue building something for the present and the future.” Daily Mail

MOTIVATION: Chelsea policy in line with manager’s philosophy