Skip to content

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says 'rumours' will not affect his players

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte on the touchline during the Carabao Cup semi final, second leg match at The Emirates Stadium, London.
Image: Antonio Conte says his players are fully focused on winning silverware this season

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte insists his players are not being adversely affected by the "rumours" surrounding his future.

Conte finds himself under growing pressure at Stamford Bridge following back-to-back defeats to Bournemouth and Watford, with Chelsea outside the top four ahead of the visit of West Brom on Monday Night Football.

The Italian insists he remains "totally" committed to Chelsea and says his squad's only focus is on winning silverware this season.

Live MNF

"Honestly I don't think talk about my future can affect the players,' Conte said. "Otherwise from the first game we lost against Burnley, it could happen.

"I think my players are getting used to these rumours, to this speculation, but for sure I am very happy with the commitment of my players, the behaviour of my players because they show me every day they want to overcome this situation.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Conte says he remains committed to the club

"We are talking about a team that is fourth in the league [before the start of the weekend fixtures], is preparing to face the game against Barcelona, we are in the FA Cup competition and we reached the semi-final of the Carabao Cup."

Conte insists there is "too much speculation" surrounding the reigning Premier League champions.

Also See:

WATFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: A dejected Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Watford and Chelsea at Vicarage Road on Februar
Image: Chelsea face West Brom on Monday Night Football

"No one person trusted us to win the title this season," said Conte. "If I don't remember badly, there were two teams to fight for the title - the two Manchester clubs.

"And also last season we started behind, and for this reason I think there is too much speculation around this club, around me, and around this team.

"I think maybe you [the media] have to find more balance but I understand we have to live with this pressure, and it is okay for me and for my players."

Get Chelsea TV half price for 12 months
Get Chelsea TV half price for 12 months

Chelsea fans, get closer to the club you love with half-price Chelsea TV. Just £3.50 a month for 12 months

Fantasy Head to Head
Fantasy Head to Head

Challenge a mate in our brand new Fantasy Football head-to-head mode. Play for free!

Around Sky