Michael Ballack: What I really think about Antonio Conte at Chelsea

Michael Ballack has heaped praise on Antonio Conte for the instant and sweeping impact he has had since taking over at Chelsea.

The Italian manager has earned plenty of praise for the effect he has had at Stamford Bridge since taking over at the west London club last summer.

Conte’s Chelsea side are currently flying high at the top of the Premier League table as they bid to win the title in his first season in charge at the club.

It is all a far cry from Chelsea’s struggles last season, when they ended up 10th in the table and without a trophy.

And former Chelsea midfielder Ballack has been impressed by the way in which Conte has had such a big impact at the club.

Speaking on Sky Sports News HQ on Friday morning, Ballack said: “I’ve really been impressed them for the whole season.

“Antonio Conte came in and he brought the team back in line.

“They are leading the table really comfortable, by 10 points, in front of Tottenham and Manchester City, teams that all have high expectations.

“But he seems to have good access to the players and pulled up a quick relationship with them which is really important after a disappointing season.

“He changed the system really early so it was interesting to see how quick he can adapt to a new group of players and have such a huge impact.

“He’s a winner, you can see that and he has that little bit extra for when you look to your coach and he’s leading with such a passion and that’s good to watch.”

Chelsea return to Premier League action after the international break with a home clash against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.