Antonio Conte makes honest admission about being Chelsea manager
Antonio Conte admits that he is "never relaxed" as Chelsea manager because of the pressure in England
Antonio Conte has admitted that he is “never relaxed” as Chelsea manager because of the high levels of competition in English football.
The Italian enjoyed a hugely successful first campaign in England after guiding the Blues to the Premier League title in his debut season.
Chelsea missed out on a place in the Champions League last season but the Blues are now back in Europe’s elite club competition after their Premier League title triumph last term.
However, Conte has warned his Chelsea players that they must be at their best week in, week out, as they look challenge for silverware on multiple fronts this season.
Conte told a news conference on Monday afternoon: “It’s very important to have experience as a player and also as a coach in this competition because you understand the level.
“The English teams have another difficulty because the league is very tough here. In my past sometimes before a Champions League game I could rest players.
“In England it is not easy to do this. If you want to do this, you risk a lot. When you play against a medium team you know you risk losing the game [in England].
“You know very well in this league there are six or seven teams ready to fight not only for the title, but also for a place in the Champions League and the Europa League. You are never relaxed in England.”
Conte’s Chelsea side return to Premier League action on Sunday with a crunch clash against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have won their last three games on the spin to leave them third in the Premier League table.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are three points behind the Blues after having won two and lost two of their opening four Premier League games.
The Gunners have beaten Chelsea in their most recent two meetings at Wembley in the FA Cup final and Community Shield.
