Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte opens up about his old club after Chelsea owner sanctioned
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester United clash on Saturday (h/t Evening Standard), Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte reflected on the current crisis his old club Chelsea are going through after the club owner was sanctioned.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government over his links to Vladimir Putin in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As a result, his assets, including Chelsea football club, were frozen.
Conte opened up on the crisis that his previous English club was facing, and said it was a pity after he enjoyed much success in west London with Chelsea, winning two trophies.
“It is not easy, is not easy. Honestly, it’s a pity, also because I was coach in this club, in Chelsea, I enjoyed two seasons. Also, I won two titles, I worked in this club. ”
Due to Abramovich being sanctioned, Chelsea have been ordered not to sell tickets for matches, nor sign new players or renew contracts as the UK government has imposed a wide number of restrictions to ensure that the Russian cannot profit from the club.
“I hope for the best”
Abramovich hired Conte in the 2016/17 season to take over from Guus Hiddink, and immediately won the Premier League title in the Italian’s debut season at the club. He would also go on to hand the Russian an FA Cup trophy before he was eventually dismissed after a string of poor results.
The ex-Inter Milan boss said he hoped for the best for Chelsea in the near future, given his past association with the club. The Italian said he loved the club and team that he worked with previously, and enjoyed the two seasons he spent in west London.
“I hope for the best, for this club. Because I worked in this club, I enjoyed the two seasons. For sure, I love the team, the club, that I worked in the past. Every team that worked in the past I love. I hope for the best for them.”
Conte was appointed by Tottenham late last year to replicate his success at Stamford Bridge, and lead the club to silverware. Being a serial winner, there is an expectation that comes with the former Juventus boss, and Spurs are hopeful he can succeed in north London as well.
His debut season at N17 has not gone to plan, destined to end the campaign trophyless and chasing fourth spot in the Premier League. However, a fresh start is hoped for next term, with the 52-year-old being able to work his magic for an entire season.
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Chelsea’s immediate future is unknown, given the restrictions placed on them. They went about their business on the football pitch last night, winning 3-1 against Norwich. Only time will tell whether the situation at Stamford Bridge will get better towards the summer.
Tottenham and Conte meanwhile, will set their sights on Saturday to face off against Manchester United. Both teams are aiming to finish fourth in the league, behind Chelsea, and so the weekend’s game is crucial for the competing sides.
