Conte quizzed over latest claims on his Chelsea future

Matt Stead

Antonio Conte refused to discuss the latest reports regarding his role as Chelsea manager.

Conte was appointed Chelsea boss in summer 2016 and guided the club to the Premier League title in his first season.

His second campaign is unlikely to end in similar success however, with the club third in the league, and facing Barcelona in the Champions League.

Doubts have been expressed over Conte’s position and it is thought by many that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The latest claim is that Conte and Marina Granovskaia are at loggerheads over transfers, with two particular deals causing contention.

Conte was quizzed about the speculation on Friday.

“As I said before, I think I’m repeating every three days, I would be very happy to continue to work with my players. I would be very happy if there are some new players. It doesn’t change my opinion, my mind only three days (on),” he said.

“I think it’s right to have this type of situation (the club organising transfers).

“I’m repeating always the same thing. I’m the coach. My task is to try to do the best for this club, to try to improve my players for this club.”

On reports of friction with the Chelsea board, former Juventus head coach Conte said: “This is normal. At the same time this is something I don’t want to discuss with you.

“Nothing has changed. Nothing has changed. There was the summer, then after the summer. Nothing has changed.

“Yes, I’m happy. I’m happy to work with my players, I’m happy to work for this club. I’m happy to try every day to put all myself for this job. I’m happy for this.”