I'll never change, Conte warns
Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked.
Conte ended a troubled season on a high note thanks to Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Saturday's final at Wembley, but whether FA Cup glory will be enough to convince Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich not to sack Conte remains in doubt after the Blues finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification.
The Italian has been embroiled in a turbulent campaign marred by his feud with the club's hierarchy over their failure to back his transfer plans following last season's Premier League title triumph. Conte is also said to have infuriated several Chelsea stars with his intense personality and regimented training sessions.
In a clear warning that he will never stop pushing his players or demanding boardroom backing, Conte emerged from the jubilant Chelsea dressing room to send a defiant message to his club. Still soaked in champagne, Conte said: "After two years the club knows me very well. If they want to continue to work with me, they know me.
"I can't change. My way is always the same; hard work and to build a strong mentality with my players. I'm this and I think my past speaks very clear as a player and as a manager. You can say what you want, but I'm a serial winner. I showed this in England in a difficult moment for the club. I've showed this today, because we found the right way to win this trophy.
Asked if he expects to be in charge next season, Conte said he would respect whatever decision was taken.
"I always say I'm committed to this club, to respect my contract," he said. "As you know very well our job is not simple. I understand that the club can make a decision, a positive decision, a negative decision. I'm the first to understand."
Comments