Antonio Conte admits it’s a “pity” that Kevin De Bruyne was sold by Chelsea

Antonio Conte faced the press ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City tomorrow afternoon (12.30pm) at Etihad Stadium, and talked about his thoughts about facing Pep Guardiola for the first time as a manager, and about former-Blue Kevin De Bruyne.

Chelsea are currently in a solid position on top of the league, but are only one point clear from the following Liverpool and Manchester City placed second and third respectively.

Chelsea’s are in a blazing form, winning seven league games in a row.

As we all know, it’s still very early to the new campaign, but the upcoming match is the biggest and most important in both team’s seasons so far.

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Conte and Guardiola both started their first managerial spells in English football this summer respectively, and the Blues coach expects a tough contest at Etihad on Saturday, where the Citizens are still unbeaten this season under Pep.

I’ve never faced Pep. I have great respect for him because he likes to study football, he likes to find a new solution.

It’s not easy when you have an idea to transfer it in a short period of time. But he is a fantastic manager and he’s doing fantastic work at Manchester City.

It is my first season in England and this game is fantastic.

Antonio Conte, Express

Conte also admitted that it’s a ‘pity’ how Chelsea let Kevin De Bruyne go two years ago in a £18m deal to Bundesliga Woflsburg, where he eventually was signed by Manchester City on a club-record fee of £58m, the Belgian’s current club.

Kevin De Bruyne has already recorded three goals and seven assists to his name this season.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been outstanding for City last season, and hasn’t been any worse this campaign, bagging three goals and eight assists to his name for Guardiola’s side.

Its a pity that now he is playing for another team.

For sure. He is a fanatic player. But now he is playing for Manchester City. I wish for him the best – but after the game.

Antonio Conte, Mirror

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