So football.london put it to the Italian on Friday that he has looked a bit more subdued recently compared to his usual livewire self and if he agreed, then why so? He laughed and disagreed with my observation, but did admit that he had to manage his antics on the touchline.
Antonio Conte said: “I don’t think [I’ve been subdued]. You have to ask the referee or fourth official if I was calm against Chelsea! He would be surprised by this question. For sure, during my management I have to try to see when I stay calm the answer of all my players. This is a strategy. I can drive the car but sometimes the driver can stay seated and calm. It’s part of the process to give more responsibility to my players. If I want to force myself to live the game in another way, it’ll be very, very difficult, but sometimes I have to stay seated and leave my players to make the best decision and face the game during the difficulties. It’s part of the process to improve their responsibility during the game. For sure, I’m very strong and I’ll be very strong towards the end of the season.”
It was a perfect example where sometimes even an answer that disagrees with your question or observation can be a really good one. We still maintain he’s not been his usual self but the performances from his players and the injuries piling up won’t have helped.
