Chelsea unveils manager Antonio Conte: 'We must fight for the title'
New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has vowed that his new team will fight for the Premier League trophy following the team's poorest finish in 20 years.
The passionate Italian was introduced to the media Thursday for the first time since he was appointed manager in April.
His unveiling was put on hold during his commitments to the Italian national team, whom he led to the semi-finals at Euro 2016. On Thursday, Conte revealed his desire to return to club football after almost two years in charge of Gli Azzurri.
"I decided to leave the national team after our qualification in the Euros," Conte said to reporters. "I wanted to go back to breathe the grass ... day by day."
After Chelsea's stumble out of the gate led to a disappointing 10th-place finish during its title defence last season, Conte brushed aside suggestions regarding the pressure to succeed. Instead, he credited his time with Juventus and the Italian team for helping him deal with the stress that comes with being the manager of an elite club.
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"The pressure for me is not important," Conte admitted. "I was born with pressure. It's the norm when you are a player or manager of a great club."
Conte added: "I don't know if this is the most difficult challenge of my career. Juventus came with two seventh places ...."
Conte has set high expectations for his first season in England, claiming he expects to challenge the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Leicester City, Arsenal, and others for the Premier League trophy.
Conte: 'We must fight for the title, we belong in the Champions League and we must stay there.'
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 14, 2016
The 46-year-old held his first session at the Cobham Training Centre ahead of the press conference, and confessed he was pleased with the spirit among his new players, including summer signing Michy Batshuayi.
"I am a worker," he said. "I know only this road to win. I found the right attitude and behaviours in Cobham. I'm very happy for this.
Conte on Michy Batshuayi: 'He is a young player but very strong with good technique. He uses two feet, has great talent. I'm very happy.'
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 14, 2016
Conte arrives at Stamford Bridge after cutting his teeth at Juventus, where he guided the Bianconeri to three consecutive Serie A titles before opting to lead the Italian national team.