Chelsea pulled off the shock £32million move on the final day of the transfer window despite reservations about the defensive side of the 29-year-old’s game. We invested in David, and I’m very happy.
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“I like to play football and I like defenders who like to play football. He can become one of best defenders in the world”.
However, the player will not come cheap for the Blues as Benfica will not entertain bids less than the £25m release clause in his current contract at the Portuguese club, which Chelsea were close to triggering in July, before they turned their attention to Napoli ace Kalidou Koulibaly.
“We all know there is, tomorrow, a great match between United and City”.
‘David Luiz wants to play for Chelsea and this is a great opportunity for him and for us to improve’.
Conte admits that signing Alonso and Luiz was necessary due to their depleted defensive resources, but is confident that the duo have definitely improved his squad at Stamford Bridge. “Also, I find a good potential, physically, like Barzagli”. This is important for me. But the Italian was enthusiastic and positive about his ability to help Luiz improve, even now, with Luiz at an age when most players are set in their ways. “I think they can improve our squad and now it is right to work with David Luiz and Marcus Alonso to put them in our idea of football”, said Conte.
“I think that the coach must improve his players”.
“[Conte] is giving me a lot of confidence and I’m doing very well”, Oscar said.
Asked about the mixed public reaction to Luiz’s return, Conte replied: “I’m a bit surprised with this situation”.
“We needed a centre-back”.
Spanish left back Alonso joined Chelsea from Fiorentina last month.
Indeed, Antonio Conte claims that he can develop the player, who re-signed for Chelsea on transfer deadline day, to become one of the best defenders in the world as a cross between the highly rated Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, both of Juventus.
“They need some time to get into that, so the chance of them playing is not high”.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte insists that his team’s focus is on Sunday’s Premier League clash with Swansea City, rather than the Manchester derby.
Hazard’s form dipped in 2015-16, but he has started this season under Conte on fire with two goals in three league games.
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“We reached two targets, two good signings for us”.
