Antonio Conte lays into Chelsea board over transfer failings

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea at London Stadium on December 9, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Antonio Conte

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has laid into the club’s board over their failure to land some of his top transfer targets.

The Italian cut a frustrated figure after watching Alvaro Morata miss a hat-trick of glorious chances in the 2-2 draw at Arsenal on Wednesday night.

The Spaniard was signed after the Blues failed to seal the return of Romelu Lukaku to Stamford Bridge, one of a number of transfers that Conte missed out on over the summer.

The likes of Alex Sandro, Danilo and Dani Alves  were all linked with the Blues, while Everton’s Ross Barkley turned down a deadline day switch – leaving Conte fuming as his side prepared to defend their Premier League title.

 

Like our dedicated Chelsea Facebook page for the latest news and features to your timeline

 

Those hopes have now gone up in smoke, however, as Manchester City look to have already run away with the league.

“I do not aim high with my requests, especially as in my history I’ve rarely been given the players I asked for,” Conte told Sky Italia. “I always ended up at clubs who were running an austerity programme.

“I just try to do my work. If someone arrives, good, if they don’t, then that’s fine too. I have to continue my work, either way.”

Chelsea are attempting to resurrect a deal for Juventus star Sandro in the January window, while the Blues have also been linked with moves for Thomas Lemar, Leon Bailey and Riyad Mahrez.