adminWATFORD. — Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will pit his wits against a familiar face today as his side travel to face a Watford side coached by fellow Italian Walter Mazzarri.Conte was recruited by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy partly because of his reputation as a determined and demanding coach, qualities he demonstrated with Italy and Juventus.The 47-year-old’s animated reaction to Diego Costa’s late winner on Monday in their English Premier League opener against West Ham United confirmed that whatever happens during his first season in charge, Conte will lead from the front as he attempts to reverse the decline of last season.
His impact has already been felt, with Costa and Eden Hazard in particular responding positively to the new man’s methods, if that first game is anything to go by.
Centre-back Gary Cahill is clear Conte’s arrival has brought changes in the wake of last season when Jose Mourinho oversaw a disastrous first half of the campaign before Guus Hiddink helped steady the ship. — AFP.
Online Reporter