Chelsea team mentality key for Conte’s success
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is in no doubt that the continuing success of his side is down to the togetherness they are showing, instead of focusing on personal glory.
The Blues were forced to dig deep in their 3-1 win against a resurgent Swansea City side on Saturday, with Pedro and Diego Costa both scoring within the last 20 minutes.
That result put the hosts ten points clear at the top of the Premier League table with just 12 games to go, with a club-record 12 home victories in succession helping them to a 20th top flight win of the season.
But for Conte it is a record that can only now go in one direction, and he is delighted his first experience of English football has been paved with success so far.
But the Italian feels it’s the team spirit of the players that deserves most of the credit, citing Cesc Fabregas – who scored the opener at Stamford Bridge – as one of those making the most of a rare place in the starting XI.
(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
“He showed a great professional attitude,” said Conte. “I’m pleased to have these opportunities to work with these types of players. We are talking about champions, not medium players, but top players.
“When you have in your squad these type of player that you put in the team and he does not think of himself, but the team, it’s great.
“Another example is Willian. Pedro is playing but Willian’s behaviour is always the same and when you have this type of player, you must go in your house to sleep (well).
“These are great achievements for the team, players and also for me. The record is fantastic.
“It’s important for us to continue this way. It means you are doing very well and probably you stay on top of the table. Now it’s important to try to improve these types of situations and records.”
