Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has warned the Chelsea squad that incoming Blues manager Antonio Conte is like The Godfather and will not “stand for players who think they are bigger than him”.
Conte has arrived in London ahead of his official unveiling as Chelsea’s new coach on Thursday, but will have little time to prepare his new side as the Blues play their first pre-season game against Rapid Vienna on Saturday.
The Italian has tasted much success in his homeland, leading a Juventus side containing Bonucci to three successive Serie A titles while steering an unfancied Italy side to the quarter-finals of the European Championships, where the team were beaten on penalties by World Champions Germany.
Bonucci, who was also part of Conte’s Azzurri side in France, admits Conte’s personality demands attention from all of his players but insists the 46- year-old is just the man to revive Chelsea’s title hopes next season.
“The players in the Italy team nicknamed him The Godfather,” Bonucci, who played down a move to Chelsea in April, said.
“That means when he talks, you listen. You do what he says and you don’t argue.
“Players want to listen though.”
Speaking about Italy’s journey to the quarter-finals at Euro 2016, the 29- year-old added: “Nobody gave Italy much of a chance in France, and in the end we only got beaten on penalties by the world champions.
“Conte will be a big success in England, Chelsea are already a very good team, and he will have them challenging both in England and in Europe.
“He likes leaders, he likes big personalities, but he will not stand for players who think they are bigger than him.
“He is the boss, and if you listen to him and show him respect, you will see he is one of the best bosses in the game.”
COMMENTS