' Chelsea Confirm '

CHELSEA CONFIRM CONTE APPOINTMENT

04/04/16

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Antonio Conte as first team head coach.

The current manager of the Italy national team has signed a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and will take the Chelsea job following his country’s participation in Euro 2016.

Conte told the club’s website: “I am very excited about the prospect of working at Chelsea Football Club. I am proud to be the coach of the national team of my country and only a role as attractive as manager of Chelsea could follow that.

“Chelsea and English football are watched wherever you go, the fans are passionate and my ambition is to have more success to follow the victories I enjoyed in Italy.

“I am happy we have made the announcement now so everything is clear and we can end the speculation. I will continue to focus on my job with the Italian national team and will reserve speaking about Chelsea again until after the Euros.”

The worst kept secret in football was finally revealed Monday as Chelsea announced the appointment of Antonio Conte as their new coach.

Having long been linked with Stamford Bridge, rumours only grew more intense after the former midfielder revealed his intention to step down from as boss of the Italian national team at the end of Euro 2016.

The 46-year-old has led the Azzurri for two years, taking on that role immediately after walking out on Juventus back in June 2014 after three glorious seasons. Winning the Serie A title in each of those campaigns, Conte’s side set a new points record for the Italian top flight (102) and marched undefeated through 2011/12.

Identifying what he will bring to Chelsea is difficult given his previous experience has come solely in his homeland, with a forgettable 14-game stint with Atalanta his only other top flight job besides his glory years with the Bianconeri.

Perhaps the obvious characteristic which would appeal is his relentless drive and ambition, with any player looking for a reassuring arm around their shoulder likely to be given short shrift.