Antonio Conte refused to be drawn on his future as coach of Chelsea amid reports Napoli’s Maurizio Sarri is already lined up to replace him.
Italy’s position was a matter of uncertainty since the beginning of the season. The Blues fell from grace spectacularly and now look on course to miss the Champions League qualification, became the champion of the Premier League last season.
Conte, who has been linked with a return to his former role as coach of Italy, said: “it’s not my job to answer such questions. My job is to work with these players and try as hard as you can to finish this season.
“There’s always speculation around our position. It’s not only for me but for many coaches. That’s our job. For me, the most important thing now focus on Chelsea and try to improve to improve this season and finish in the best possible way.
“Honestly, I’m not curious. And because I don’t read Newspapers. Honestly, I’m not interested in that. My only concern is to do my job and my work with my players in the best form.”
Conte was asked about the future of England midfielder Danny Drinkwater, who was linked with a move from Stamford bridge after an injury-hit campaign.
“(Drinkwater) having a bad season. He started the season with a problem in his calf. Now he’s fighting with (another) problem. It’s not a good season for him,” said the Italian.
“But we’re talking about a good striker, good player. Now is not the moment to talk about one player, and one specific situation. This is the moment we must think about the team.”
Another topic on the agenda for Conte whether there was any substance to reports linking goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who spent three seasons on loan at Atletico from 2011 to 2014, with a return to Spain in the summer.
“My answer is always the same (the Treaty of Courtois’)”, – he said. “We’re talking about a really good goalkeeper. But, as you well know, it’s a problem to solve between the club and Thibault.”
Visit relegation-threatened Chelsea Southampton on Saturday, where their former striker mark Hughes is the interim Manager.
Last week, Conte based Andreas Christensen from the team that drew 1-1 at home with “West ham”, but he said that the defender remains in his plans.
“We’re talking about a young player,” the 48-year-old said.
“This is the first season at this level. To play at this level means that you will lose a lot of mental energy. It may be that he may be a little tired.
“At the same time to give Gary Cahill the opportunity to play right. We’re talking about an important player not only for Chelsea, but for the national team.
“(Southampton) have excellent quality in their squad. This is a big surprise to see them in this position. I think their squad with great quality and talented players. For this reason, it is necessary to pay great attention, because it is not easy to play against them.”
PA
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
