Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has endured a long, tiring and pressured season at the club only a few months after winning the Premier League title in spectacular fashion.
Conte has had to deal with policies at the club he does not buy into, particularly transfers, the attitude and poor form of key players in the squad and understandably, it’s led to frictions and tensions in and out of the dressing room.
Sitting out David Luiz for a prolonged period has its consequences on the squad, especially when you add the latest exclusion of Gary Cahill from the first team. Alvaro Morata has had his stints on the bench, as have Willian and Cesc Fabregas.
Although, according to Cont, it’s all justified by his improvement of the squad and their current value. The former Italian manager asks not to be judged by trophies and title won at the club, but his usage of his players and how the profile of it has been lifted since he took charge.
“It’s not an issue of winning a trophy or not. The work of a coach must be judged not on victories but on the improvement of the squad and the current value of the squad.
This is a team that can grow in terms of quality and experience. We can do better in every aspect. I am not seeking confirmation in victories. I continue my work aware that I am doing good work.”
Antonio Conte, Guardian
