SM
Thursday, November 7
Upcoming predictions and previews

Chelsea

Antonio Conte determined to lift Chelsea back among Premier League elite

:Headline: Antonio Conte determined to lift Chelsea back among Premier League elite: ID:276731: from db_amp
New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says that it is a "pleasure" to take charge of the club, but stresses that there is work to be done this summer.

Antonio Conte has admitted that he is relishing the chance to take Chelsea back to the summit of the Premier League in his first season at the helm.

The 46-year-old takes over from interim boss Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge following last term's disastrous Premier League title defence which saw the Blues finish down in 10th place.

Following his exploits with Italy at Euro 2016 this summer, earning him some rave reviews for his tactical flexibility to overcome the likes of Belgium and Spain, Conte is now ready to get going in his first spell outside of the Italian game.

"Last season in 10th was a bad season, but we must think to the present. Chelsea belongs in the Champions League and we must stay there," he told reporters.

"It is a great pleasure for me. I am excited for this moment. This is a new chapter for my life, for my career, for my family and I am very happy to start working in a fantastic new country and fantastic league."

Conte expects as many as seven teams to challenge for the title next season, but insists that he is not fazed by the pressure placed on him by owner Roman Abramovich to hit the ground running.

"The Premier League is very difficult - the most difficult in the world. Seven teams can win the title," he added. "The pressure for me is not important, I was born with pressure. It's normal.

"You must play to win, to win the title, to reach your targets. This league is difficult and this year won't be easy but this situation excites me. We must work every day, every week, because the fans need to find the team ready to fight."

As well as managing the Italian national side for the past two years, Conte has also previously taken charge of Juventus, Sienna, Atalanta, Bari and Arezzo across a 10-year managerial career.

amp_article__276731 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2016-07-15 04:49:32:
html db last update - 2016-07-15 04:49:32 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Antonio Conte

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .