Antonio Conte has hinted that John Terry is already moving into a coaching position at Chelsea.
The former England international has previously revealed that he would like to carry on playing for another two years, but his manager has already admitted that he helps out in a coaching capacity at training.
This inkling suggests that the 36-year-old is moving into management and coaching sooner than first thought.
“John is our captain and I think he’s doing a great job when he played. Now that he’s playing, he’s helping me a lot in the changing room, to send the right message to the players. This is fantastic,” Conte said.
“In this period I’m pleased a lot to know the man and not only the player. I think, I repeat, he’s a really important player for us. If he plays or if he doesn’t play, he remains our captain.
“It’s important for him to send out the right message in the changing room, to send the right spirit of this club.
“For me, I hope to have him available to play, but also in this moment it’s important to have him in this role.
“He’s injured, but he’s helping us in these games, in every game… He comes with us, home and away, staying with us, transferring the right message. It’s very positive, very positive.”
Terry’s contract with the Blues is due to expire in the summer and Conte claimed that he is not looking too far ahead in terms on renewing his deal.
The Italian manager added: “John is able to do a different role in football, but now it’s important to be focused and continue to think about him playing, because we need him.”
A spokesman for the club confirmed that Chelsea do not often talk to players about their contracts until the latter stages of the campaign.
By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)
