Antonio Conte has heaped praise on former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancellotti as the Italian prepares to take charge of his 1,000th game in club football.
The former Juventus defender followed in the footsteps of Ancelotti after the ex-AC Milan boss managed the west London side between 2009 and 2011.
Ancelotti led Chelsea to Premier League and FA Cup glory in 2010 as the 57-year-old won the double in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues turned to Conte as their new manager in May after Chelsea finished in tenth place in the Premier League last term.
Chelsea are currently eight points clear of Manchester City in the title race and the west London side will take on Manchester United in the FA Cup last eight.
Speaking at his pre-match media conference on Friday afternoon ahead of their home clash against Swansea City this weekend, Conte was asked to comment on Ancelotti’s managerial career ahead of his 1,000th game.
“It’s a great achievement for Carlo. For me he is a great friend. He was my manager at Juventus, and now he is the best Italian coach, one of the best in the world,” Conte said.
“One thousand games – it’s not easy to stay on the bench and at this level, and at these great teams with responsibility to win every game.
“For sure his career is great. I hope to try to go close to his career!”
Ancelotti is currently in charge of Bayern Munich.
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