Antonio Conte has dismissed Sean Dyche’s claims foreign managers get preferential treatment over English ones.
Burnley boss Dyche suggested foreign coaches get talked up as “tactical geniuses” while home bosses are branded “dinosaurs” even when they are employing the same managerial methods.
He cited new Chelsea boss Conte in his assessment, which adds a sub-plot to today’s clash between the two at Stamford Bridge.
But Conte, a three-time Serie A winner and Euro 2016 quarter-finalist as Italy boss, argued the facts always speak for themselves.
“There are dinosaurs and geniuses in all departments all over the world – in Italy, England, Argentina, Spain, all over the world,” he said.
“You have to understand who is the dinosaur and who is the genius. That’s what you have to judge. You have to recognise who is the better and the worst and not only with words, but with the facts.”
Conte’s former players were lining up to give him glowing references ahead of his arrival at Chelsea. Defender Leonardo Bonnucci was among them, revealing his former Juventus and Italy boss was nicknamed The Godfather.
Asked whether he was a dinosaur or a genius, Conte smiled: “The other players I have managed and people will judge. It’s important that the players reply to that question, if I’m a dinosaur, genius or in the middle.”
After his battle of the bosses with Dyche, Conte will then turn his attention to trying to win the race against time to strengthen his squad.
Chelsea have signed just two players – midfielder N’Golo Kante and striker Michy Batshuayi – so far this summer. Bolstering his defence by landing a centre-back and left-back is the priority before the window closes on Wednesday.
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