Antonio Conte warns Chelsea players of getting fired as he draws out plans for a lean side
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has sent out a warning to his players revealing his wish for a leaner side. After the International Champions Cup game versus AC Milan in which they emerged victorious 3-1, courtesy of a brace from Oscar, Conte said that he now knows how to shape his side.
Chelsea play Werder Bremen before the Premier League season kicks off against West Ham on 16th August at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte is expected to arrive at a conclusion on clearing out players after their last friendly on 7th August in Germany.
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In a conversation with the Chelsea website after the Milan win, Conte seems to have a clear idea of the squad he would like to carry into a season that wouldn’t involve any European football.
The Italian manager said, “I think this match told me a lot – about the players who keep and who can go on loan or we can sell. Today, it was important because I have a more clear idea than before.
“Now we go back to London and it’s important for me, for the club, to talk and take the decision about all the players. In this pre-season, we work with 30 players, four goalkeepers and 26 players. A lot of players. Now remains one game against Werder Bremen and then we must take the decision.
“We hope to take the best decision for the club and the players also. The ideas are very clear, but it’s important for me to speak about this topic with the club.”
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Meanwhile, Antonio Conte also stressed on the impressive performance of Oscar, who scored two goals against Milan. He further spoke of the player’s quality, how he has been and still could be instrumental in bringing more success to the club.
“Oscar is an important player and I think the season when Chelsea won the title, he played a fantastic season.”
The new manager added, “Last season was bad for all the players, not only for Oscar or for another player, for all. I think Oscar is a good player with a great talent and he can improve a lot. I am seeing in him a good attitude and a good will.”
Chelsea finished their International Champions Cup tour on a fairly satisfying note, having defeated Liverpool and AC Milan, although they lost out to Real Madrid by a slim margin.