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Antonio Conte Uncovered: Chelsea boss opens up about how faith helped him be successful
ANTONIO CONTE has always said a prayer before every match, as a player or a manager. He prays mainly for the health of his family – but if the Lord can help with the odd blessed deflection this season, he would not say no.
Antonio Conte - 5 things you need to know
The staunch Catholic learned his football as a boy in hometown Lecce, kicking a ball around outside the church after Mass.
His faith is a crucial part of his make up. But don’t get the idea that Chelsea’s new manager is all sweetness and light.
Conte is intense and committed. And the idea of having a glass of wine with the opposition manager after a defeat, as is the English way, is causing him some difficulty.
The former Lecce, Siena, Juventus and Italy manager knows he has a task on his hands to turn Chelsea around from the car-crash of last season into title challengers.
Just before Chelsea flew home from their USA tour he suggested that he had made his mind up about his squad – who he wanted, and who he didn’t.
Chelsea bos Antonio Conte is a devout Catholic
Him up above may have an influence, but Conte, 47, is in charge.
He said: “I have always had my faith. My parents brought me up that way. They took me to church and I spent a lot of time playing football outside.
“I pray before a game. Not for success. I pray for good health, for my parents, my wife and daughter and my family to stay well. But if, after that, God wants to help my team, then I am also very happy!”
Conte’s tale is that of small town boy made good.
He rose from playing in his dad Cosimino’s junior team, to managing his country, via 13 trophy-strewn years as a player with Juventus, and then a climb up the managerial ladder via Arezzo, Bari, Atalanta, Siena and Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles in a row. Dad was a hard taskmaster.
A great link, great passion. Sometimes during games, and training, I shout – but then we’re finished. I only shout to improve the situation.
“I will have a very intense relationship with these players but it takes time.
“We need to get to know each other. I will try to transfer my passion to them. If players have the passion it transfers to their team-mates and the fans.”
As for the wine: “I like this tradition. It’s fantastic to stay with the other manager and drink wine, win or lose.
“But I see this situation being a bit difficult if we lose. I have to be honest.”
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