shot-button
E-paper E-paper
Home > Sports News > Football News > Article > Chelsea mid fielder Willian Wouldnt have played for Antonio Conte

Chelsea mid-fielder Willian: Wouldn't have played for Antonio Conte

Updated on: 14 August,2018 09:30 AM IST  | 
AFP |

Antonio Conte paid for fallouts with a number of senior players and failing to qualify for the Champions League when he was finally dismissed after months of speculation over his future.

Chelsea mid-fielder Willian: Wouldn't have played for Antonio Conte

Willian

Chelsea winger Willian has admitted there is "no chance" he would have remained at the club had former manager Antonio Conte not been replaced by Maurizio Sarri last month. Conte was dismissed just four weeks before the start of the season despite winning the Premier League in his debut campaign and the FA Cup last season.


However, the Italian paid for fallouts with a number of senior players and failing to qualify for the Champions League when he was finally dismissed after months of speculation over his future. Willian was also linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge with Chelsea rejecting a bid from Barcelona over the summer. But he looks set to stay in London with the transfer deadline for Premier League clubs now having passed, meaning the Blues are unlikely to entertain any further bids from foreign clubs.


"No chance. No," the Brazilian told ESPN when asked if he would still be at the club had Conte remained in charge after Saturday's 3-0 win over Huddersfield on Sarri's Premier League debut. "I'm here because I want to play for Chelsea. I will only leave if Chelsea want me to go." Sarri has warned it will take time to master the brand of free-flowing attacking football he implemented at Napoli. But his desire to play on the front foot has already endeared him to Willian after two seasons under Conte's rigorous tactical approach that prioritised making Chelsea hard to beat. That approach was rarely successful against Arsenal, who Chelsea host at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.


Conte won just one of eight meetings against their London rivals, but Willian expects a different outcome thanks to Sarri's approach. "We have a great game to play against Arsenal and we want to win again," he added. "I think we have a good chance to turn the results around against them because now we have a different way to play football. "The manager tells us to play, to enjoy ourselves on the pitch, with responsibility. Now we have a different style, that's why we can create problems for Arsenal."

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK