Conte wants support from Chelsea

Chelsea should issue a statement of support against speculation over Antonio Conte’s future, the Italian believes.

Antonio Conte has told Chelsea to defend him from speculation over his future at the club with a statement of support.

Conte has regularly spoken of his desire to return to Italy in the future, with the national team coach role vacant following Gian Piero Ventura’s shock failure to lead the Azzurri to the World Cup, losing a play-off against Sweden.

But with a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth on Wednesday intensifying speculation Conte could leave Chelsea, the 48-year-old said he wants more backing from the club.

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“I must be honest, when there are these type of rumours or speculation after the first game of the season against Burnley [a 3-2 defeat]… Maybe I’d like the club to prepare a statement for me, no, to say they trust me in my work and my job,” Conte said ahead of Monday’s trip to Watford.

“But, at the same time, I know this never happened in the past, so why should I hope for something different? But, for sure, I’d like to have a statement of support against this speculation. The challenge is that, in the past, this never happened.

“So it’s a big challenge to change the approach now. But, for sure, I’d be glad. You only have one person to speak [to make this happen].”

Roman Abramovich is reportedly in London to check on the progress of the club, but Conte would not confirm whether he has held talks with the Russian.

“I think it’s right… About this topic, it’s better to keep secret,” Conte said. “To keep secret. To keep secret, yes.”

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