- Antonio Conte says he should be respected more for his achievements at Chelsea
- The Blues boss says the press should stop inventing stories that he is leaving England
- Conte also admits he is looking to reduce the average age of the squad at Chelsea
Antonio Conte says his achievements during his short time at Chelsea deserves more respect.
With Manchester City having surged 11 points clear at the top of the table, Chelsea's hopes of defending their Premier League title look over by December.
Pep Guardiola's side have won 17 of their first 18 matches and beating all of their top-six rivals.
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Conte is however frustrated that he has had to field continued questions about his future at Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Conte says he deserves more respect. Photo: Guardian
"Every day there is speculation about my future," he said. "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 a bit [about] football there is a moment you must have great patience, to know that someone is working very well."
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The Italian revealed that he is looking to reduce the average age of his squad as the Blues look to build for the future.
He said: "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."
Chelsea are curently third on the Premier League table and face an in-form Everton side in their next Premier League game.
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Source: Sports.naija.ng
ROSY CREST
Tuesday, 19 December 2017