Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has admitted that the final say over transfers when the window re-opens next week will once again lie with his Stamford Bridge bosses. The Italian is hoping to fight on both domestic and European fronts in the New Year, with his side chasing a top-four Premier League finish and facing a mouthwatering Champions League Round of 16 clash against Barcelona.
Chelsea’s failure to land several key targets in the summer was thought to be a real sore point with Conte. It left real doubts over whether the squad was large enough to cope with the extra demands of European football this term, while it also led to speculation that the title-winning boss could quit after just a season at Stamford Bridge.
Despite a clear need for reinforcements in January to bolster his current squad, Conte has so far kept the cards close to his chest while discussing potential business when the transfer window reopens in less than a week’s time. The Chelsea manager appeared to be frustrated on losing a host of summer targets but suggested that the club’s transfer process remains the same as in the summer.
“I think this consideration must be done with the club,” Conte was quoted in a report by Independent.
“It is not important to say this with the press, I must say this to the club in the right moment in the right place. I will give my opinion when I speak with the club, I will tell them.
“In the end the club has always the last word – like in the summer, like last season, and it will be the same in the window in January,” he added.
“Then we will divide the responsibility with me and with the club. Not only the club, not only with me… we will do it [take joint responsibility for transfers] together.”
The manager further explained:
“It is not the right time now to talk about who we will sign. I am very happy to work with these players and I repeat after this type of performance I can only talk good about every single player. The effort was great.
“The situation is simple, I am very happy to work with my players, and if then the squad is big enough to play all these games in all competitions, then only time will tell.”
Conte is rumoured to be keen on signing a new striker in January to be Alvaro Morata’s backup, but he will have to convince the board and then wait for the club’s decision.