Former Chelsea player and manager Gianluca Vialli has told the club’s current crop that they need to “keep their mouths shut” and listen to Antonio Conte after their disappointing 2015-2016 season.
Conte is set to take charge of the Blues from next week after departing from his role as Italy coach. The national team were eliminated from Euro 2016 on Saturday evening after a penalty shoot-out loss to Germany.
The Blues finished tenth in the Premier League last campaign, an abysmal result given they won the division the year before, and the side even briefly flirted with relegation over the Christmas period.
But Vialli, who spent four years at the club in different roles, believes Conte is definitely the right man to take charge at Stamford Bridge and has advised the current Chelsea players to listen to their new manager, who he describes as a “perfect fit” for the Blues’ job.
Vialli told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He was my vice-captain when we were at Juventus together so I can guarantee he is the right guy, and I think he is a perfect fit for the club. The approach is very similar to the Mourinho approach – very continental. I think the players are used to it.
“I think the players, off the back of a very disappointing season, will have to keep their mouths shut and listen to the manager. They will not play in Europe so the manager will have time to work with them during the week.
“He needs to adapt to a different culture because what works in Italy might not necessarily work in England. He’s a clever guy so he will change something to adapt to the English game.”
Conte spent two years with the Italy national team, having guided Juventus to three Serie A titles during his three years in charge of the Old Lady beforehand.
The 46-year-old opens his Premier League career and Chelsea’s campaign with a home test against West Ham in August.
COMMENTS