adminLONDON. — Antonio Conte has always said a prayer before every match, as a player or a manager. He prays mainly for the health of his family — but if the Lord can help with the odd blessed deflection this season, he would not say no. The staunch Catholic learned his football as a boy in hometown Lecce, kicking a ball around outside the church after Mass. His faith is a crucial part of his make up. But don’t get the idea that Chelsea’s new manager is all sweetness and light.
Conte is intense and committed. And the idea of having a glass of wine with the opposition manager after a defeat, as is the English way, is causing him some difficulty. The former Lecce, Siena, Juventus and Italy manager knows he has a task on his hands to turn Chelsea around from the car-crash of last season into title challengers.
Just before Chelsea flew home from their USA tour he suggested that he had made his mind up about his squad — who he wanted, and who he didn’t. Him up above may have an influence, but Conte, 47, is in charge.
He said: “I have always had my faith. My parents brought me up that way. They took me to church and I spent a lot of time playing football outside. “I pray before a game. Not for success. I pray for good health, for my parents, my wife and daughter and my family to stay well. But if, after that, God wants to help my team, then I am also very happy!”
Conte’s tale is that of small town boy made good.
He rose from playing in his dad Cosimino’s junior team, to managing his country, via 13 trophy-strewn years as a player with Juventus, and then a climb up the managerial ladder via Arezzo, Bari, Atalanta, Siena and Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles in a row. Dad was a hard taskmaster.
Antonio remembers: “My first team was called Juventina Lecce. My father was the owner, coach, kit man, everything.
“He was very tough — especially with me. He wouldn’t shout at the other kids. The others would ask me ‘You haven’t made a mistake. Why always you?’ It was because I was his son.
“When I was 13, Lecce bought me and my team-mate Sandro Morello. The fee was eight footballs — and three of them were flat! They also threw in 200 000 lira — about £100.”
Conte is known for his antics on the touchline and his fierce anger in the dressing room if things are not going well. Juve players tell of cups being thrown. He admits: “I always have an intense relationship with my players. Very strong.
A great link, great passion. Sometimes during games, and training, I shout — but then we’re finished. I only shout to improve the situation.
“I will have a very intense relationship with these players but it takes time.
“We need to get to know each other. I will try to transfer my passion to them. If players have the passion it transfers to their team-mates and the fans.”
As for the wine: “I like this tradition. It’s fantastic to stay with the other manager and drink wine, win or lose.
“But I see this situation being a bit difficult if we lose. I have to be honest.” — The Daily Express.
Online Reporter