Conte hints at Chelsea stay; wants his side to ‘improve’

Rob McCarthy

Antonio Conte has intimated his desire to stay at Chelsea, who the Italian believes can get even better after their Premier League title triumph.

Michy Batshuayi’s goal eight minutes from time earned Conte’s side a 1-0 win at West Brom and ensured they clinched the trophy at the earliest opportunity.

The double could follow if Chelsea can beat Arsenal in the FA Cup final on May 27.

And Conte can expect to be rewarded for a successful season with a new contract offer 12 months into the three-year deal he signed on joining last summer.

The former Juventus and Italy boss has so far been equivocal over his future with Inter Milan making overtures.

But the 47-year-old suggested after the title success at The Hawthorns that he wanted to build on the rejuvenation he has led this season.

He said: “We started to do our work. We have to improve in the next season, to find the right solution to improve.

“We are working (for) only nine months together. I think if you can continue with these players you can improve a lot.

“Now they know my idea, I know them, the characteristics of my players. And we can improve.”

Conte wants to keep his best players and strengthen his squad ahead of next season’s Champions League return, but there is fervent speculation over the future of striker Diego Costa, in particular.

The Italian said: “The club want to fight to win every competition. We have the same ambition. For this reason we try to keep the best players.”