SHOUT OF ORDER
Cough victim Conte won’t go for throat
ANTONIO CONTE is set to spare his Chelsea players the hairdryer treatment tomorrow.
Firebrand Blues boss Conte has a reputation for screaming and shouting at his side from the dugout whether they are doing well or not.
But the Italian says they might get a day off in the clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge because he has a sore throat.
Conte, who had special Italian cough sweets imported last season after yelling himself hoarse, said: “Are the players relieved? Yes. I prefer to recover!
“I hope to solve this situation. I took antibiotics. I hope to solve the situation, otherwise it will be a problem for me.
“In this case, I think the air conditioner was stronger than my sweets. In my office, when I arrive, I close the air conditioner.
“But when you stay on the bus, I risk a lot, because I suffer with air conditioning.”
Chelsea are gunning for revenge over Arsenal after losing their last two matches against them – the FA Cup Final and the Community Shield.
And star man Eden Hazard could be set to start after two appearances off the bench following his ankle injury.
Conte said: “About Eden, for sure he’s ® improving. To have this type of patience for him is paying off.
“He’s very close to being totally fit and we have to continue in this way.
“Don’t forget, I have to make the best decision for the team and the players. But he is improving a lot and he is very close to being 100 per cent fit.
“I have another day to check the physical condition of all my players, then I’ll try to make the best decision for the Arsenal game.”
Fight
The news was not so good for new signing Danny Drinkwater, who has yet to play for Chelsea and could now be out for a month with a calf injury.
Conte said: “I think it’s very difficult to see him before the next international break. He needs time to recover. It’s a pity because he was starting to work and to improve his physical condition.
“Now we have to move all these situations. And in two, three weeks, four weeks, I don’t know.”
Arsenal have lost both their away fixtures this season but Conte insists they are one of six teams who could win the title this time round.
He said: “Arsenal is a big rival for the title. If you see their squad, you can understand there are a lot of top players.