West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna is ready to show Antonio Conte what he learned under him during their time together in Italy when the Hammers travel to take on the 47-year-old’s new side Chelsea on Monday evening.
Ogbonna knows new Blues coach Conte well, having played for the Italian for one season at Juventus while also being part of his squad for the European Championships, where the West Ham centre-back made one start against the Republic of Ireland.
Ogbonna will now come up against his former manager when West Ham kick-off their Premier League campaign with a tricky away trip against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, which the 28-year-old is relishing as it will give him the chance to demonstrate just how much he learned under Conte.
When asked how it will feel to see Conte sitting in the opposite dugout, Ogbonna told Gazetta dello Sport: “It’s something that has me feeling emotional given what he means to me as a coach, and how we left each other at Euro 2016.
“It was tougher than when I left Juve.
“The European Championship was a complete experience. I really appreciated how he treated me. Even though he hadn’t called me in a year, he judged me based on what I did at the training camp.
“I wanted to be part of the group. I hope I can show him what I learned on the field on Monday.”
Conte will be expected to haul Chelsea back into contention for major trophies in his first season in England, and also steer the Blues into the Champions League after the club failed to qualify for the competition last term.
The Italian has achieved much success during his career, particularly at Juventus where he won three straight Serie A titles, and Ogbonna believes the 47-year-old will do the same in England because of his sheer attention to details.
“I am convinced he will do well because he really looks at the human side of things,” Ogbonna said.
COMMENTS