In a conversation with The Telegraph, Antonio Conte revealed his attempts to secure signings of Romelu Lukaku and Virgil Van Dijk during his tenure at Chelsea in 2017.
Conte stands as the sole coach to have clinched a league title ahead of a Pep Guardiola-led team, sharing the distinction with José Mourinho at Real Madrid and Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. This achievement occurred during the 2016-17 season, his inaugural campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Reflecting on the challenge, Conte remarked, “It’s not easy,” He acknowledged Guardiola as the premier coach globally and emphasized the formidable task of competing at the highest level with clubs that consistently invest in top talent to maintain their supremacy.
Detailing his managerial journey, Conte highlighted his penchant for rebuilding teams amid adversity. After clinching the title in his debut season at Chelsea, he envisioned establishing dominance in English football. Conversations with Lukaku and Van Dijk marked pivotal moments where transformative signings could have altered the club’s trajectory.
However, Van Dijk later joined Liverpool in the January 2018 transfer window, while Lukaku made his move from Everton to Manchester United in the subsequent summer. Lukaku’s return to Chelsea from Inter in 2021, following their Serie A triumph under Conte’s guidance, underscored the cyclical nature of player movements in football.
Currently on loan at Roma from Chelsea, Lukaku’s prolific record of 64 goals in 95 appearances under Conte’s management at Inter highlights their productive partnership.
In the same discussion with The Telegraph, Conte expressed his aspiration of clinching the Champions League title as a coach, debunking misconceptions about his tactical approach, particularly regarding his preference for a three-man defense, which he deemed not overly defensive.
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk
NetherlandsThis season he played in total 22 times for 1918 minutes for Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk scored 1 goal for Liverpool. He procured two assists. He received 1 yellow card and 1 red card.
His team is currently 1st in Premier League. In the last match Liverpool won 3-1 against Burnley. The next match in Premier League will be against Brentford.
Liverpool performance and stats
Liverpool
Liverpool is currently 1st in the Premier League with 54 points.
In the last 24 games, it has won 16 times, drawn 6 times, and lost twice. In its last match, Liverpool won 3-1 against Burnley.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 55 goals and conceding 23.
Liverpool will play the next match in Premier League against Brentford on Saturday 17th of February in Brentford. The prediction is Liverpool winning the match.
Chelsea performance and stats
Chelsea
Chelsea is currently 10th in the Premier League with 34 points.
In the last 24 games, it has won 10 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 10 times. In its last match, Chelsea won 1-3 against Crystal Palace.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 41 goals and conceding 40.
Chelsea will play the next match in Premier League against Manchester City on Saturday 17th of February in Manchester. The prediction is Manchester City winning the match.
