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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte keen to build for the future

Antonio Conte gives instructions from his tecnical area
Image: Antonio Conte is keen to build for the future at Chelsea

Antonio Conte says he hopes to be given the chance to emulate Jose Mourinho's success at Chelsea and build for the future at the club.

Mourinho, who returns to Stamford Bridge on Super Sunday with Manchester United, won Chelsea's first championship in 50 years in 2005 and is the most successful manager in the club's history after two spells.

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However, he was sacked by the Blues last December and Conte is his permanent successor, with the former Italy and Juventus boss tasked with reviving Chelsea after a tumultuous season last term, and he says he wants the opportunity to build something at the club.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29:  Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United celebrates following his sides 1-0 victory during the UEFA Europa League g
Image: Jose Mourinho took over at Manchester United in the summer

"Jose was a very important manager in the story of this club," Conte said. "I hope to work with this club for many years and to build something important, for the present, for the future.

"It's important also to have time to work and to build, because it's important now to work a lot, work really hard and to build something important.

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"When I signed my contract with Chelsea I signed for three years. In my mind is to stay here for three years and to build with the club success for this club."

When asked if Chelsea can be champions this season, the Italian stopped short of setting targets, focusing on the work ahead rather than the outcome.

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"In my mind there is always to give the maximum in work," he added. "Only one [team can] win the title. You must understand always the situation and then you work.

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"It's important when I come back to my house [that] my conscience is very clear. It's important to give [my] all always, every day. Work, work, work, to build, to work, then you'll see at the end of the season."

John Terry was an unused substitute in last week's 3-0 win over Leicester after returning from injury and may have to settle for a place on the bench again on Sunday but Conte says the 35-year-old is important irrespective of whether he plays.

Terry celebrates Chelsea's opening-weekend Premier League win over West Ham with Antonio Conte
Image: Conte says John Terry is important for Chelsea even when he does not play

"This situation is normal," he said. "For example, in my past when I was a footballer and I was captain sometimes it happened that I didn't play. Not often, but I always helped the team and the coach to create the right atmosphere.

"John Terry is an important player for us, for the situation on the pitch, the changing room. When you are captain you have a lot of commitment. It's important to put your commitment in the team not only on the pitch, but also outside. For me John is a good player and when I call him to play, my expectation always is very high."

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Chelsea have adopted a formation unfamiliar to Terry during his absence, with Conte fielding three at the back and David Luiz, who returned in August after two years with PSG, has been playing regularly, despite being in and out of favour under Mourinho.

"For David Luiz to come back to Chelsea is a great challenge," Conte added. "He's started very well with great concentration, focus [and] with a great will to show that he's decided to come back with this shirt is the right choice for him.

David Luiz in action for Chelsea in the game against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge
Image: David Luiz returned to Chelsea in August

"He's very good with a good technique and when you have David Luiz you can play from the back. My idea of football I love this, to start to play from the back.

"For me he's also a good defender and we are working a lot with him, but also the other defenders, to stay always focused in every minute of the game."

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