The Sunday Mail
ANTONIO CONTE says he deliberately creates tension within his Chelsea squad to ensure they don’t become complacent in the English Premier League title race.Chelsea face Burnley at Turf Moor today aiming to maintain their nine-point lead at the top of the table against opponents who have taken 28 of their 29 points in the Premier League this season at home.
Conte’s men, however, have won 16 of 18 matches since his decision to switch to a 3-4-3 system in late September, and Swansea City are the only team outside the Premier League’s top six to take points off the leaders this season.
“I like to keep always the right tension in my players,” Conte said. “After a good win you can be relaxed and I try to avoid this. To work together with my players sometimes to find a solution to increase the tension before a game, during the training session.
“This is a part of improving the winning mentality. I don’t want to tell you the ways I use. I find different ways. Sometimes a good way. Sometimes a bad way.
“My experience as a footballer is very important to feel the moment. To feel the changing room. There is great concentration. If I feel [they are] relaxed then I try to find the right solution.
“When you have this type of game against Liverpool or Arsenal the tension is high. In those moments you must cut a bit of pressure. When you play these games it’s not necessary [to increase tension].
“Sometimes [a loss of intensity] can happen during the week. When the intensity is not high and I try to increase the tension and to warn about the danger of the game. Pay attention because in a game we risk a lot with this intensity.
“It is important to have this relationship with the players. When I was a footballer it was very important to hear my coach and [for him] to warn me. It’s important to be ready to fight. If we are a bit relaxed we will lose and that’s a pity.”
One player who has benefited particularly from Conte’s style of management is David Luiz, who is producing the most consistent football of his career at the heart of Chelsea’s back three despite feeling persistent pain in his knee.
Asked about Luiz’s willingness to play through pain, Conte added: “There are some (people) who can live with pain more than another. I can take the pain very well. Different people take the pain in different ways but I love the players who show me this behaviour for the team before themselves.” – Soccernet
