Conte dismisses talk of Chelsea discontent

AFP, LONDON: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte on Friday dismissed rumours of discontent over his training methods following successive Premier League defeats for the defending champions.

Conte said Chelsea's training loads are "70 percent less" than during last season's Premier League-winning campaign and the sheer quantity of matches renders the work that brought success last term "impossible".

“I don't know about this,” the Italian said when asked about media speculation about disgruntlement. “I have my methods. It's the same, like last season when we won the league.

“Honestly, I think we are working maybe 70 percent less this season. Maybe for this reason we are having trouble.

“When you play every three days it's impossible to work on the tactical aspect and physical aspect. I think we are paying less attention in every detail.”

Chelsea, who had no European commitments last season, play Watford on Saturday, seeking to avoid a third successive Premier League loss after defeats to Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

The last time Chelsea lost three straight league games was autumn 2015 as Jose Mourinho's second spell as boss was unravelling before his departure that December.

Conte told reporters at Chelsea's training ground he was satisfied with the commitment of his players but unhappy about the results after the Premier League defeats and a midweek Champions League draw against Roma.

The Blues, who top Champions League Group C after Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Roma, are nine points behind Premier League leaders City entering this weekend's fixtures.

Conte has pointed to problems with injuries and said he had "many doubts" for the Watford contest.

 

Conte dismisses talk of Chelsea discontent

AFP, LONDON: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte on Friday dismissed rumours of discontent over his training methods following successive Premier League defeats for the defending champions. Conte said Chelseas training loads are 70 percent less than during last seasons Premier League-winning campaign and the sheer quantity of matches renders the work that brought success last term impossible. I dont know about this, the Italian said when asked about media speculation about disgruntlement. I have my methods. Its the same, like last season when we won the league. Honestly, I think we are working maybe 70 percent less this season. Maybe for this reason we are having trouble. When you play every three days its impossible to work on the tactical aspect and physical aspect. I think we are paying less attention in every detail. Chelsea, who had no European commitments last season, play Watford on Saturday, seeking to avoid a third successive Premier League loss after defeats to Manchester City and Crystal Palace. The last time Chelsea lost three straight league games was autumn 2015 as Jose Mourinhos second spell as boss was unravelling before his departure that December. Conte told reporters at Chelseas training ground he was satisfied with the commitment of his players but unhappy about the results after the Premier League defeats and a midweek Champions League draw against Roma. The Blues, who top Champions League Group C after Wednesdays 3-3 draw with Roma, are nine points behind Premier League leaders City entering this weekends fixtures. Conte has pointed to problems with injuries and said he had many doubts for the Watford contest.