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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte did not want to talk about what he insists are false reports of his impending departure from Stamford Bridge.
The Italian has already given up hopes of catching runaway league leaders Manchester City but claims that he’s in London for the long haul despite reportedly wanting to return to Italy.
The Italian signed a new contract with the Blues after guiding them to the Premier League title last season, but it did not extend the expiry date beyond 2019.
Reports of homesickness have raised doubts over the former Juventus and Italy coach’s potential longevity at Chelsea, with the club’s hierarchy this week linked with a move for former boss Carlo Ancelotti if Conte opts to depart prematurely.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “Everyday there is speculation about my future,” Conte told reporters. “It’s not right because I think I deserve a bit of respect for what I did last season, for what I am doing this season.
“To read every week: ‘Next season the club contacts this coach or this coach’ – for me this is not a problem, but it can create problems with the players because the players believe we could [drift] apart.
“I have another year on my contract, so in this moment my focus is total, to improve my players, to try to improve the team, to try to improve the club.
“If you understand football, there is a moment you must have great patience, to know that someone is working very well.
“I think last season we did a fantastic job but this job is continuing this season. We are trying to change the average age of our team.
“I think for a club like Chelsea it is very important to start to do this if you want to create a new base and face the future with confidence.”
The Blues have a midweek fixture coming up on Wednesday when they will host Bournemouth in the League Cup.
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