Jamie Redknapp: How Antonio Conte has got balance right at Chelsea
The former Liverpool captain is a big fan of Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Jamie Redknapp says Antonio Conte has struck the right balance in his approach as Chelsea manager.
The Blues were 2-0 winners against Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon thanks to goals from Diego Costa and Eden Hazard.
Chelsea have won their last four Premier League games against Hull City, Leicester City, Manchester United and Southampton.
The west London side haven’t conceded a goal since a 3-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in late September.
Conte was named as Chelsea’s first permanent manager since Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese coach was sacked in 2015.
Former Liverpool captain Redknapp delivered a glowing verdict on the former Juventus manager.
“Last season there was too much snarl with Jose Mourinho – all of the time,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“But with Antonio Conte you get the snarl and the smile. It’s a nice balance. You wouldn’t want to cross him as he’s an angry man when he wants to be, but when you’re playing well he’s your best mate.”
Chelsea are in fourth place in the Premier League table and a point behind current leaders Manchester City.
The west London side have won six of their 10 top-flight games in the 2016-17 Premier League campaign.
The Blues finished in tenth place in the Premier League table last season under interim manager Guus Hiddink.
