Conte: Terry still important cog in Chelsea machine

Antonio Conte admits he is loving skipper John Terry’s contribution behind the scenes at Chelsea this term – although he does not want to usher him into a coaching role just yet.

Rumours have once again begun to swirl around the 36-year-old defender’s future, with speculation rife that this will be his last season in a Blues shirt.

Terry has not started a Premier League game since mid-September, with a combination of injuries and the fine form of defensive trio Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill keeping him on the sidelines.

And while the former England captain has been as influential as ever in the dressing room despite his absence on the pitch, Conte still views Terry as a key player and not yet a coaching prospect.

“John is our captain and he is doing a great job when he plays,” Conte said.

“Now he is injured he is helping me a lot in the changing room to send the right message to the players. This is fantastic. John loves this club.

“He is coming with us home and away, to stay with us, to send the right message, and I think this is very positive.

“I’ve got to know him very well in this period and I’m pleased also to know the man and not only the player.

“It’s important now to be focused on the moment and don’t think about the future. I don’t like to look forward a lot.

“John is able to do different roles in football, but now it’s important to continue to think to play, because we need him.”