Conte reveals what Abramovich told him in first meeting

Matt Stead

Antonio Conte says that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants the Blues to have “an identity”.

Conte has won the Premier League title in his first season as manager since being appointed last summer, and could seal a memorable Double in the FA Cup final against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Italian was not the most high-profile managerial appointment twelve months ago, and his Chelsea side were considered only by few to be favourites for the title.

They sealed the championship with a record 30 wins however, and Conte appears to have struck up a positive relationship with owner Abramovich – famed for firing bosses.

“At the first meeting he told me: ‘I want an identity for the team, the others have to recognise us’,” Conte told Corriere della Sera.

“He wants to be more involved. The week we lost at Arsenal he had been here three straight days to see training. He was talking to me.

“We are planning the future. This year we had a base of 13-14 good players. Next year with the Champions League we have to increase in numbers and in quality.

“The base is there, now we must put the cherries on top.”

In a further interview with Premium Sport, the Italian moved to distance himself from rumours of a move to Inter Milan.

“There have been so many rumours about my players and I lately, but that’s normal,” he said.

“I still have two years [left on my contract] with Chelsea and I intend to respect my contract. I want to build something important for the future.”