Antonio Conte visits Chelsea training ground to meet players and staff
Interim Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has revealed that incoming manager Antonio Conte made an unscheduled visit to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground to meet the players and staff. Chelsea announced on Monday that Conte would be taking over as the club's boss after Euro 2016 and the Italian immediately began preparations by meeting each player individually and taking English lessons.
It is believed that the new Chelsea boss will begin working at Stamford Bridge within the first two weeks of July and has spoken to Hiddink about the club and the upcoming Euros. The Italian national team boss will hope to have a successful campaign in France before he takes over at the Bridge.
Speaking to reporters, Hiddink said he would be willing to help Conte in any way possible due to his “love” for the club, adding that he believes Conte can do well in the transfer market despite Chelsea’s lack of Champions League football.
“If needed then I am available for the club, this is a club I love very much,” he said.
“If you can provide the players a plan for not just this season but next season, then you will attract the players to come. He is equipped and able to take the pressure to get titles in big clubs. Conte is the choice of the club and he made a good spell at Juventus getting the title in Italy, it is good because this club plays for titles and trophies.”
Having endured a tough season which saw the sacking of Jose Mourinho, Chelsea currently sit 10th on the table and are 10 points behind fourth place and 15 points behind first placed Leicester City.
Conte faces complications: Hiddink
Hiddink added that while he thinks Conte will face a tough task in bringing Chelsea back to the top, it’s something he believes the Italian is capable of doing.
"There’s an extra complication,” he said.
“When I came here the first time in 2009 the team was firm, regarding the personalities. The players knew the culture of English football and the club such as Lampard, Terry. Now it's a bit different and that won't be easy.
"It's a big job regardless of the circumstances Chelsea have been in this year. He is equipped, able and used to the pressure which is always on at big clubs to win titles."