Italian could be set for Chelsea job
Andrea Pirlo has sent out a word of warning to Chelsea players and Roman Abramovich should Antonio Conte get the Stamford Bridge job.
The Italian is heavily tipped to become the next permanent manager at Chelsea, replacing Guus Hiddink at the end of the season, and Pirlo has warned both the players and the owner about Conte.
Pirlo sung the praises of the manager before stating that it’s his way or the highway when it comes to transfers, and the midfielder also revealed how the manager had a nasty streak in him should the club be losing.
Pirlo and Conto worked together at Juventus and he’s opened up about his time under the manager, stating he’s a great boss, but he does have a nasty side.
Pirlo Praise
‘I love the man, I have nothing but respect and admiration for him,’ Pirlo said.
‘I know if he takes a job, any job, it will have to be on his terms.
‘The players he wants to sign, those he wants to get rid of, the style he wants to play.
‘If you sign him as your coach and then as the owner you want to start making decisions, he is not the coach for you.
‘If you let him get on with things and do his methods, then you will have a team that plays attractive football and will, without doubt, be successful.’
Nasty Side to Conte
Pirlo then admitted that there is a nasty side to Conte should things not be going his way.
‘There is a beast in him.
‘I have been in his dressing room at half-time when we have been winning, but he comes in and will be throwing bottles of water around because of a mistake we made or because he feels we should be further ahead.
‘His life is football. It’s a good job Elisabetta is such an understanding wife, and if he takes the Chelsea job then she will have plenty of time to enjoy London, because he has two wives – Elisabetta and football.
‘I have played under a lot of great managers. But I can say that Conte is a genius. Like all men who possess genius, he is a little mad.
‘The man can be a beast, a dressing room when he is angry is one of the most dangerous places you can be.’
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
