Conte urges Chelsea to ‘come back and fight for the title’

Ian Watson
Antonio Conte: Manager typically passionate on the sideline

Antonio Conte: Still keen to strengthen his squad

Antonio Conte admits Chelsea may have had “many problems” last season but the new boss wants his side to challenge for the title this term.

The former Italy coach has been at Stamford Bridge for 10 days following his appointment this summer, with Chelsea desperate to recover from their 10th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Conte says a return to the Champions League is a must but the former Juventus manager has more ambitious plans for his new team.

“I want our fans to be very proud about the players and the manager,” he said. “It’s very important.

“Usually when there are these bad seasons it means there are many problems but the past is not important for me, for the club, for the players.

“What is important is the present, we have to fight together to come back and fight for the title.

“It’s important to stay together and overcome this bad period for Chelsea, to come back to play the Champions League, because it’s Chelsea’s home.’

Conte is renowned for his work ethic and the demands he places upon his players, with the Chelsea stars already aware of what is expected of them during pre-season.

“We must work a lot,” he said. “We come after a bad season, after a 10th place and we need to come back very soon in the right position because Chelsea is a great team in England and in the world.

“We must come back to fight for the title.”