Antonio Conte is optimistic next year can be even better than this one after Chelsea finished 2017 by hammering Stoke 5-0 at Stamford Bridge. One reason for the Conte optimism is the fact that he feels that Chelsea’s improved defensive record is a major positive to emerge from this season. He said: “I am very […]

According to his father, Eden Hazard turned down the offer of a new deal at Chelsea in order to increase his chances of moving to Real Madrid. The Belgian forward claimed last month that ‘everyone knows the admiration I have for Real Madrid’, increasing speculation he could leave Stamford Bridge. Now Thierry Hazard, Eden’s father, […]

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has refused to rule out a move for £53million Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal. The pair worked together at Juventus for three years between 2011 and 2014. Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Brighton on Tuesday, but are 13 points behind league leaders Manchester City. After initially refusing to talk about […]

Antonio Conte believes that Chelsea deserved more than to be held to a goalless draw by Everton, and defended his decision not to start Michy Batshuayi up front in the absence of suspended Alvaro Morata. Chelsea registered 25 shots and eight on target against Everton, who successfully frustrated their visitors by defending deep and in […]

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has put the shock 1-0 defeat by West Ham down to his players becoming fatigued by their punishing schedule. Conte made just one change from the side that drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night and the Blues were caught on the hop against West Ham […]

Head coach Antonio Conte praised the character of his Chelsea players after securing Champions League qualification with a 4-0 Group C win at Qarabag. Chelsea ensured their longest Champions League journey – it is almost 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres) between London and Baku, Azerbaijan – was worthwhile by qualifying ahead of December’s clash with Atletico […]

Antonio Conte has complained that the Premier League title race would be closer had fixtures been arranged more fairly. The Chelsea manager, who believes even another run of 13 wins in a row might not challenge Manchester City, is still irritated by the timing of his side’s meeting against Pep Guardiola’s team from September. Conte […]

David Luiz is back in the Chelsea squad for Saturday’s match against West Brom but faces a battle with Andreas Christensen to win back his starting spot, manager Antonio Conte has said. Conte did not indulge questions about his relationship with Luiz, who was surprisingly dropped from Chelsea’s matchday squad for the 1-0 win over […]