Will It Work?? See What Chelsea Are Planning To Give Hazard To Make Him Stay

New Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri has promised to make forward, Eden Hazard the new captain of the club in an effort to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid have seen Hazard as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu after the Portuguese superstar moved to Juventus.

The Blues are demanding as much as £200m for Hazard even though the Belgian who only has two years left on his contract had rejected a new deal.

Sarri had earlier said that he will meet the player face to face when he returns to the club from his World Cup holiday.

But Sun, UK, is reporting that Sarri is desperate to work with Hazard next season and has vowed to make him the captain in an effort to keep him.

The Blues are likely to need a new captain next season with Gary Cahill’s place at the club under threat should they land £44m-rated Juve defender, Daniele Rugani.

Sarri is mulling over other potential captain options, such as Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta, but will give Hazard the role to act as the extra motivation he needs to reject a move to Real Madrid.

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It’s HAPPENING! Chelsea & Juventus Set To Agree Fee For This Highly Rated Striker (Photo)

Chelsea and Juventus are set to hold talks on Saturday in Nice as the Blues target moves for a number of the Serie A champions’ players.

Goal understands Chelsea CEO Marina Granovskaia will meet with Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici while Maurizio Sarri’s side prepare to face Inter in the International Champions Cup.

Sarri has targeted moves for a number of Juventus players due to his familiarity with Serie A, having already secured the arrival of Jorginho from Napoli.

A second bid of £45 million ($59m) was lodged for centre-back Daniele Rugani earlier in the week, and Chelsea are hopeful that these talks will allow a breakthrough to be made in their pursuit of the Italy international.

The Blues have already seen a £36m ($47m) bid rejected by the Bianconeri for Rugani but he remains Sarri’s primary defensive target with less than two weeks of the transfer window left to run in England.

Should Rugani prove unattainable, Chelsea will turn their attentions to his team-mate Mattia Caldara.

The 24-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, having signed for Juve in January 2017 before being loaned back to Atalanta for 18 months in a bid to gain further experience.

Caldara has been linked with a move away already this summer, with AC Milan reportedly keen to bring him to San Siro in a deal that would potentially see Leonardo Bonucci move in the opposite direction.

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Why Antonio Conte Turned Down Opportunity To Replace Zidane At Real Madrid

Real Madrid contacted Antonio Conte to become their new head coach, but he told them he intends to respect his contract with Chelsea, according to Sky Sport Italia.

The current European champions were keen on bringing the former Italy boss to the Santiago Bernabeu, and spoke to him about taking over from Zinedine Zidane, who resigned from the job days after winning a third successive Champions League title.

However, Conte turned them down for a number of reasons.

First, is that he intends to respect his contract with Chelsea.

Also, if Blues owner, Roman Abramovich is to fire him, they will need to give him €10m as pay-off.

Thirdly, Conte is said to be concerned about the work ethics of the Real Madrid squad and their focus on star names, as those would not suit his style.

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Man United host Chelsea in a battle to be best

Manchester City's 16-point lead atop the Premier League means the most intriguing battle looks to be who will finish as runners-up with Manchester United aiming to keep their grip on second place when they host Chelsea on Sunday.

Antonio Conte's west London side have bounced back from two successive defeats to comfortably beat West Bromwich Albion in the league and secure an impressive 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the Champions League last 16, first leg on Tuesday.

United, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw against Sevilla in Spain on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho's side, who suffered defeat by Newcastle United in their previous league outing, could be third by the time they welcome his former club to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, only two points behind United, take on West Ham United on Saturday at Anfield having not lost at home in the league so far this season.

Chelsea can ill afford a poor result with the threat of finishing outside the Champions League qualifying places a real possibility for any of the sides immediately behind City.

Tottenham Hotspur, in fifth place and trailing Chelsea by a solitary point, travel to Crystal Palace earlier on Sunday.

In a week that signals the 10-game countdown to the end of the season, jockeying for position intensifies significantly.

BASEMENT SCRAMBLE

That can also be seen at the other end of the table where a margin of five points separates 10th from the relegation places.

Bottom side West Bromwich Albion face Huddersfield Town at the Hawthorns on Saturday looking to snap a run of three successive defeats.

It is the first of two games that British media has said West Brom manager Alan Pardew has to save his job.

The weekend kicks off with Stoke City visiting fellow Midlands club Leicester City with both sides winless in three.

Third-bottom Southampton could climb out of the relegation zone with a victory at Burnley, whose own run without a win stretches back 12 games to the middle of December.

Sean Dyche's side have only picked up two points in the league so far this year, dampening their early-season surge.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Brighton & Hove Albion face fellow strugglers Swansea City while the late kickoff is a mid-table tussle between Watford and Everton at Vicarage Road.

Arsenal and Manchester City skip league action this weekend due to their League Cup final clash at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. They next play in the league on Thursday, March 1 when they, coincidentally, face each other at the Emirates.

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Chelsea target top-four finish - Hazard

Chelsea must strive to finish in the Premier League's top four and secure Champions League football for next season, playmaker Eden Hazard has said as the London outfit got back to winning ways with a 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

The champions have failed to replicate last season's dominance, winning just three of their last 11 matches across all competitions to sit fourth in the league, 19 points behind leaders Manchester City, and eliminated from the League Cup.

Hazard scored a brace to lead Chelsea to a much-needed win over West Brom after consecutive league defeats by Bournemouth and Watford, and the Belgian is keen for the club to maintain their momentum throughout the rest of the campaign. "It was a good response to the two losses... We have great players and we need to finish in the top four at the end of the season, that's our target," Hazard told the club's website. (www.chelseafc.com)

"We have 11 games to play between now and then and we have to give everything to achieve that."
The Champions League and FA Cup are Chelsea's only chances of winning a trophy this season as their gap to City appears to be insurmountable.

Hazard, 27, called for his teammates to be united as Chelsea push towards achieving consistent results with the hopes of winning at least one trophy this season. "We are all together," Hazard said. "We have to work and win games. When you play for Chelsea you have to put this in your mind and give everything on the pitch.

"We need to be in the top four, for the Champions League next season, and it would be good if we can take the FA Cup. We are also in the Champions League, it's not easy to win the Champions League but we will go for everything.

"We have three months to play until the end of the season and we have to give everything to reach our targets... the target has to be to win trophies."
Chelsea host Hull City in the FA Cup on Friday before the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie against Barcelona on Tuesday.

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Chelsea back into EPL top four

Two goals from Belgian wizard Eden Hazard and another by Victor Moses earned Chelsea a 3-0 home win over struggling West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Monday, easing pressure on coach Antonio Conte following two defeats for the champions.

The lively Hazard twisted his way goalwards in the 25th minute before playing a neat one-two with new signing Olivier Giroud who held off defenders to place the ball for the Belgium international to smack it past goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Moses added Chelsea's second after sprinting down the wing and laying the ball off to Cesc Fabregas, whose flick was deflected back into the Nigerian's path.

Hazard's second goal wrapped up the points as Chelsea moved back into the top four. In the 71st minute, he received a pass from substitute Alvaro Morata, and jinked past defender Jonny Evans to lift the ball into the net.

Chelsea have 53 points from 27 games, one point ahead of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and a point behind third-placed Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualifying spots.

A beaming Conte, whose side had lost their previous two Premier League games at home to Bournemouth and at Watford, hurried round the pitch after the whistle, shaking hands.

ENERGISED PLAYERS

The Italian, who won the title in his first season in charge, has had a strained relationship with the club hierarchy since last summer after disagreements over buying players and British media suggested he would leave at the end of the season.

But his players, so lacklustre against Watford, looked energised after a week's rest. France international Giroud, who joined last month from Arsenal, provided a target man and combined well with Hazard and Fabregas.

He left the pitch to applause in the 70th minute, his head swathed in bandages after he was kicked in a goalmouth melee in the first half.

"He is a great target man," Hazard told Sky Sports. "Maybe one of the best in England. So we can pass the ball and go around him. He is a good point of reference. We have plenty though as we have him, Alvaro and I can play striker also."

It was a miserable night for Alan Pardew’s West Brom side, who have won once in their last 25 Premier League games. Despite a lively start they managed one shot on target.

The disappointment was compounded with the loss of Daniel Sturridge barely three minutes into the game. The striker, on loan from Liverpool, limped off to be replaced by Jay Rodriguez.

The visitors also failed to convert good chances that fell to Jonny Evans, Salomon Rondon and Rodriguez.

Chelsea are still competing on three fronts. They face Hull City in the FA Cup fifth ruond on Friday before meeting Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League on February 20.

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Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill backs Conte

Chelsea captain Gary Cahill has insisted that he and his fellow players have "no idea" about Antonio Conte's future at the Premier League champions as they prepare to take on Bournemouth on Wednesday.

The Italian led the Blues to last season’s league title in his first season in charge, but he has been surrounded by speculation since the summer, with reports of a split between the club and coach over Chelsea's transfer policy.

"It is between the manager and the board. We have no idea about that, we have no idea what's going on between the lines," the England centre-back told reporters.

"I have experienced it a lot in my time here, but this has been a successful period. Chelsea is a successful football club and he is a top manager. We can't have any impact.”

Third-placed Chelsea are 15 points behind runaway leaders Manchester City and Conte remains under pressure but Cahill insists he still has the backing of all the players.

"Of course we are 100 per cent behind him. There is nothing between the manager and players, whatsoever," he said

"If Manchester City hadn't done what they've done, the title would still be there to be won.

“This season they've been fantastic, but we still aim to fight for second place. We have a big month coming up ... let's hope we come out at the end of that month in a positive way."

Cahill admits his side have found it tough to deal with their recent intense run of fixtures, with Bournemouth's visit their ninth game this month.

They were beaten by Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semifinals last week but will host Hull City the FA Cup fifth round and await Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League.

“The last couple of months have been demanding to say the least," he said.

"February is a huge, massive month for us. However heavy it is, we are not going to be able to change the fixtures. We just need to find the opportunity to rest, take that chance and be as fresh as we possibly can."

Conte is hoping to welcome back injured Alvaro Morata, Thibaut Courtois and Cesc Fabregas to his fatigued side ahead of the visit of Bournemouth.

The Cherries are only three points above the drop zone but are unbeaten in five as they return to the scene of one of their most famous Premier League results, a 1-0 win in December 2015.

“I always enjoy it, I like going there,” said forward Junior Stanislas. “We’ve lost a couple of times but we beat them there the first season after we came up so I have some happy memories.

“Hopefully, we can create the same sort of result.”

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Batshuayi brace helps Chelsea advance in cup

Michy Batshuayi scored twice as Chelsea beat Premier League rivals Newcastle 3-0 to advance into the fifth round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Batshuayi's goals in the 31st and 44th minutes and a Marcos Alonso free-kick 18 minutes from time were enough for Premier League champions Chelsea to see off Rafael Benitez's struggling side.

The Belgian's striker's first was the result of a neat team move, Pedro's superb through ball splitting the Newcastle defence and leading to Eden Hazard slipping a pass inside to Alonso.

Spaniard Alonso toed the ball first-time to Batshuayi, who made no mistake with a simple finish from eight yards out.

The Belgian forward scored his and Chelsea's second goal shortly before half-time when Pedro again initiated an attacking move, his pass releasing Hazard to run at a struggling defence.

Batshuayi, up in support, looked set to run across his man but instead moved away, creating the space for Hazard to play him in before his shot took a huge deflection off Newcastle's Jamaal Lascelles and looped over goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Any lingering doubt about the result was settled in the 72nd minute when Alonso whipped a left-footed free-kick over the defensive wall to make it 3-0.

'TAKE A CHANCE'

There have been suggestions that Batshuayi could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge during the closing days of the January transfer window.

But as for his immediate future, Batshuayi said he wanted to impress Blues manager Antonio Conte, telling BT Sport: "When I have a chance I take the chance and I work every day to be here. It's not for me to decide, it's the boss... it's best that you ask Conte!"

The Chelsea boss said he had no desire to see Batshuayi depart the club.

"Scoring goals is important for strikers' confidence. My task is to keep every single player happy and with Michy I think we are doing a good job," Conte said.

Chelsea are 15 points behind runaway league leaders Manchester City and, following their League Cup semifinal loss to Arsenal, the FA Cup offers Conte's men their best chance of a domestic trophy this season.

"There were some great performances, especially from this man next to me (Batshuayi) with two great goals," said Chelsea captain Gary Cahill.

"It (the FA Cup) a very important competition for us this year," the defender added.

By contrast, Premier League survival is the priority for a Newcastle side that are currently just one point above the relegation zone.

Newcastle manager Benitez, asked if he would be able to bring in a new striker before the transfer window shuts on Wednesday, replied: "I don't think so but we will see. We will try to do something.

"I have to prepare the team for the next game against Burnley and then we'll see if we can do something before the transfer window closes."

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Xhaka puts Arsenal into Cup final by defeating Chelsea

Arsenal started the post-Alexis Sanchez era in style on Wednesday, coming from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 on aggregate and set up a mouthwatering League Cup final against Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola's City reached the Wembley showpiece the previous evening by beating Championship side Bristol City 3-2 in the second leg of their tie and 5-3 over the two legs, staying on course for an unprecedented quadruple.

After a goalless first leg, the visitors took an early lead at the Emirates through Eden Hazard but Arsenal were level soon afterwards via a bizarre Antonio Rudiger own goal and scored the winner in the second half through Granit Xhaka.

Arsene Wenger has an outstanding record in the FA Cup with Arsenal but in more than 21 years in the job he has never won the League Cup, which he has often used to blood young players.

Guardiola on the other hand will be desperate to claim the first silverware of his time in charge at City, who are chasing glory on four fronts.

Wenger was unable to field the cup-tied Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined the club from Manchester United earlier this week in a swap deal with Sanchez moving in the other direction while Ross Barkley made his debut for Chelsea as a first-half substitute.

"In the first half we gave Chelsea too much respect and distance. We were a bit scared to go for it and we suffered from that," said Wenger.

"We were not playing in the right position but we amended that in the second half and took control of the game."

SANCHEZ 'GREAT PLAYER'

"We lost a great player in Alexis Sanchez but when a team doesn't know what's going on in the dressing room there is less clarity and focus on performances," he said. "We know we have to deal with it now."

Antonio Conte's Chelsea, missing Alvaro Morata and Cesc Fabregas, had the better of the first half and had already had a goal ruled out for offside by the time Hazard opened the scoring in the seventh minute after Pedro released him through the middle.

But Arsenal levelled just minutes later after a bizarre Rudiger own goal. Nacho Monreal headed powerfully goalwards from a corner, which then took a double deflection off Marcos Alonso and then Rudiger, leaving Willy Caballero flat-footed in the Chelsea goal.

Willian was forced off before half an hour and Conte threw on Barkley for his Chelsea debut but the former Everton man struggled to make an impact on the game.

A rejuvenated Arsenal started the second period on the front foot and edged in front in the two-legged tie when Xhaka reacted quickly to prod home a deflected Alexandre Lacazette cross with about half an hour to go.

Alex Iwobi had a golden chance to seal the win, with Caballero making a fine save to keep Chelsea in the tie.

But Conte's men, lacking a cutting edge, could not find the inspiration they needed to take the game into extra-time and Arsenal held on to claim a deserved victory.

It was the fifth time the clubs had met this season, with all four matches ending in draws, including 0-0 in the first leg of this tie.

The win is a major boost for Wenger in a week when the club, with a battle on their hands to qualify for the Champions League, lost Sanchez, arguably their most devastating attacking player.

Defeat for Conte continues his miserable record as a manager of never winning a cup despite league success with both Juventus and Chelsea.

"My thoughts are disappointment for the final result," said Conte. "I think my players must be pleased with their effort, we tried to reach the final, we conceded two goals and we were unlucky, two deflections.

"It is a pity because we had a good run in this competition, it is a pity for me, the players and fans," added the Italian.

The final takes place at Wembley on February 25.

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Peter Crouch set for a shock loan to Chelsea

Veteran striker Peter Crouch could be set for a shock loan move to Premier League champions Chelsea from strugglers Stoke City, according to the British media on Friday.

The former England international -- who turns 37 on 30 January -- is wanted by Chelsea as cover for Alvaro Morata as Antonio Conte is willing to let Belgian Michy Batshuayi leave.

Conte had originally wanted West Ham United target man Andy Carroll but the injury-prone striker has an ankle injury that may rule him out for the rest of the season.

The Sun, The Daily Mirror and The Daily Telegraph report that Chelsea have switched their interest to the 42-times capped Crouch -- who has scored four goals in 21 appearances this term.

The west London club would prefer a loan deal for the Chelsea fan and former ball boy, who only last November signed a one-year contract extension with an option for another year.

Conte has been seeking a target man since the close season and was beaten by Tottenham Hotspur to signing Spaniard Fernando Llorente from Swansea City.

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Moyes unaware of Chelsea's Carroll interest

West Ham United manager David Moyes is not aware of Chelsea's interest in his striker Andy Carroll and hopes to add to his squad in January transfer window rather than sell.

British media reports say Chelsea are desperate to boost manager Antonio Conte's attacking options and have made contact with West Ham with the intent of signing Carroll on a permanent deal.

"They (Chelsea) have not made contact with me, so if they have made contact with someone else I don't know about it," Moyes told reporters.

"At the moment Andy Carroll is one of my squad, I want to add to the squad, not lose players.

"I know nothing about it. There have been a lot of rumours regarding a loan but as far as I know it has never officially come from Chelsea. I am not keen to lose any players."

Carroll, who has 18 months remaining on his current contract, remained on the sidelines with an ankle injury as West Ham laboured to a 1-0 win over third-tier Shrewsbury Town after extra-time in the FA Cup third round replay on Tuesday.

"At the moment Andy has an ankle injury so we are hoping that will settle quickly and he will be back training shortly," Moyes added.

"We started tonight with a lot of young players due to injury and people not being available for the game. I knew with the team we were playing it was going to be touch and go to beat Shrewsbury."

West Ham, currently 11th in the Premier League table, host Bournemouth on Saturday.

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Antonio Conte can't guarantee Chelsea future

Antonio Conte said on Friday he was unable to give any guarantees over his future at Chelsea, adding that "everything is possible" as speculation over his position at the club persists.

The Italian won the Premier League last season in his first year as head coach at the Blues, who play former title winners Leicester on Saturday.

Conte signed an improved contract last summer but it was not an extension to his deal, which still expires in June 2019 and there has been continued speculation over his position at Stamford Bridge.

The former Juventus and Italy boss, whose side are third in the table, said that goes with the territory of working at Chelsea and does not happen at other clubs.

"I have another year of (my) contract with this club," he said. "But as you know very well everything is possible. In one moment you stay here, in another moment another person replaces you in your job."

Asked if he would extend his contract with Chelsea, Conte added: "In this case, I think the club has to decide to send me away."

Conte's position has been the subject of speculation over a rumoured frustration regarding transfers.

"For the manager of this club it's normal to have this type of situation, also if you won last season the league and you reached the final in the FA Cup," he said. "This is the history of this club for the manager.

"I have a lot of experience to deal with this type of situation. (But) there is something strange if, after the first game we lost against Burnley, the press pushed quickly to sack me for another coach. I think in other clubs this doesn't happen."

Conte insisted he is happy at Chelsea, will continue to work as a professional and will "never give up".

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‘Conte and Mourinho is out of their minds - Capello

Former England manager Fabio Capello branded feuding managers Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte as "totally out of their minds" for letting their public spat get out of control.

Chelsea manager Conte and Manchester United's Mourinho have been engaged in a war of words in the build up to next month's clash between the two sides in Old Trafford.

But Capello believes both men have lost control and that fellow Italian Conte may have underestimated how well Portuguese Mourinho handles the press.

"I think Conte didn't realise who he was up against," Capello told Sky Sport Italia.

"It's the Chelsea shirt which makes managers nervous. Remember how wound up Mourinho got when he was Chelsea manager? Conte's just doing what Mourinho used to do.

"We all remember Mourinho on his knees in the middle of the field, running wild after his side won."

Conte and Mourinho have been arguing since the Portuguese suggested his rival was a "clown" for being so animated on the touchline.

Conte responded by saying Mourinho was "senile" and "a little man" for making references to the Italian's ban in Italy over alleged match-fixing, which he was later exonerated in 2016.

"They're completely out of their minds," said former Real Madrid manager Capello, now coaching in China with Jiangsu Suning.

"I never thought it could get this far. But remember, when you wind Mourinho up, he's very clever in these debate situations. Maybe once again he just wants to divert the attention from his team."

"I don't think that Conte has realised who he has been dealing with yet. In my opinion, he should have said just one thing. If Conte used the 'senile' word he certainly made a mistake."

Meanwhile, former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes the feuding pair will soon make up.

"You'll see, they'll meet and it will end up with tarallucci and wine," the Italian told Gazzetta dello Sport.

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Mourinho hits back at Conte, raises match-fixing

Jose Mourinho intensified his war of words with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte in bizarre fashion after his team's FA Cup victory over Derby on Friday, apparently referencing a match-fixing scandal in Italy.

The Manchester United manager was responding to comments made by Conte earlier in the day in which he appeared to make disparaging statements about Mourinho.

The Italian was even interpreted as suggesting that the United manager may be suffering from "dementia" after Mourinho had made a reference, 24 hours earlier, to his own behaviour and the fact that he no longer acts "like a clown".

Initially, Mourinho appeared to be backing Conte following the furore caused by his words on Thursday – only then to make the reference to match-fixing.

"I was asked about my passion and, you know, I was speaking about myself and then the question to the Chelsea manager was that I said he behaved like a clown," said Mourinho.

"Probably the journalist wanted to say that but didn't have the courage so he said 'Mourinho said you behaved like a clown'.

"I don't blame the Chelsea manager at all and I understand his reaction. I was speaking about myself, saying I don't need to behave like a clown to show passion."

Mourinho referred to his managerial antics earlier in his career and said he had not lost his passion.

"I celebrated goals running 50 metres, I celebrated goals sliding on my knees, celebrations jumping in the crowd. I'm not free of that, especially if we score a winning goal in a specific moment I am not free to have an out-of-control reaction.

"What I was trying to say that I behave bad a few times and this moment I control myself better. It doesn't mean my passion is not the same. So wrong question and obviously a strong answer and I don't blame."

The United boss – no stranger to controversy – then changed tack and referenced match-fixing.

"What has never happened to me and will never happen is to be suspended for match-fixing. That never happened to me and it will never happen."

MATCH-FIXING

The surprising reference to "match-fixing" drew a follow-up question as to whether it was directly aimed at Conte.

The Chelsea boss was acquitted of sporting fraud charges in 2016. Prosecutors had requested a six-month suspended sentence following accusations he failed to report episodes of match-fixing while in charge at Serie B side Siena in 2011.

The former Italy manager – who has always denied any wrongdoing – served a four-month ban in relation to the affair in 2012.

But when mention was made of the accusations against Conte, Mourinho said: "Did he? Not me."

Mourinho's reference to that controversy was just the latest twist in a verbal spat between the managers that seemed to have reached a climax earlier in the day when Conte was quizzed by reporters.

The most contentious of Conte's comments came when he used an Italian expression, "demenza senile" – senile dementia.

"I think he (Mourinho) has to see himself in the past, maybe he was speaking about himself in the past, yeah?" said Conte.

"Maybe sometimes, someone forgets what they said or his behaviour and sometimes I think there is, I don't know the name, 'demenza senile', when you are a bit..."

Conte tapped his temple as he spoke, and was asked to clarify his comment. "It is like amnesia, when you can't remember things," he said.

Chelsea later tried to distance Conte from claims he had suggested his rival has dementia, saying he simply meant amnesia.

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Antonio Conte questions Jose Mourinho's sanity

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte suggested on Friday that Jose Mourinho has "senile dementia" and that the Manchester United manager is still focused on events at Stamford Bridge two years after he was sacked.

Mourinho, who had two spells as Chelsea boss and is Conte's immediate predecessor, appeared to take a swipe at the Italian – and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp – for their antics in the technical area on Thursday, when he said he did not feel the need to behave like "a clown" on the touchline.

Asked about Mourinho's comments on Friday, Conte used the Italian phrase "demenza senile" in relation to the Portuguese, which translates as senile dementia.

"I think he has to see himself in the past – maybe he was speaking about himself in the past," said Conte. "Maybe, sometimes, I think that someone forgets what's said in the past, which is his behaviour.

"Sometimes I think there is, I don't know the name, but demenza senile... when you forget what you do in the past."

Conte is in his second season as Chelsea head coach, as Mourinho is at United.

Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea in December 2015 and the Blues finished 10th, after which Conte guided them to the title in his first season as boss.

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Conte added of the Portuguese: "There is a person that continues to look here. You understand? He went away, but he continued to look here."

The Italian, whose side play at Norwich in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, described the verbal sparring between Premier League bosses as "very strange" but he also responded to comments from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Wenger accused Eden Hazard of diving to earn a penalty in Wednesday's 2-2 Premier League draw, but Conte believes other decisions went the Gunners' way and referred to previous meetings.

"I think if Arsene Wenger watched the game again, (he would) understand he was very lucky during the game with the referee's decisions," said the Chelsea boss.

"Don't forget, in the last few games (with Arsenal) we finished the game with 10 men, when they won the FA Cup, the Community Shield. I think the referee's decision(s) were a bit strange.

"If I want I can talk about refereeing decisions for one month. But I don't want to do this. I think we must have respect for referees' decisions.

"I think Wenger has to accept the decisions. He's an old coach, he has a lot of experience, he won a lot. He has to continue to do what he did in the past."

Read Also: Coutinho? I Prefer My Players - Ernesto Valverde

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Conte keen not to lose Hazard and Courtois despite speculations to Spain

Antonio Conte wants both Belgian star duo playmaker Eden Hazard and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to remain with champions Chelsea despite speculation they would like to move to Spain.

Hazard's father told a Belgian newspaper his son doesn't wish to commit to a new contract – he still has over two years left on his present one – because of apparent interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Courtois, who had a highly successful spell with Atletico Madrid, has said he would like to return to Spain one day especially as his children are being brought up in Madrid.

However, Conte, speaking on the eve of his side's match with Stoke City, stonewalled on both counts saying in the case of 26-year-old Hazard whatever was said would not be revealed in public.

"This is a private conversation – between the club and the player, and the agent of the player," said Conte.

"I'm proud to have him in my team, in my squad, and I'm very happy to work with him.

"He's a really good guy and has a lot of space for improvement, to become one of the best players in the world.

"But, I repeat, on this issue: this must be a private conversation between the player, the player's agent and the club."

The 48-year-old Italian – whose side are third in the table 16 points adrift of leaders Manchester City but just one behind a stumbling Manchester United – said he was not aware of the family situation regarding 25-year-old Courtois.

"Courtois has a contract, also for next season, with the club," said Conte.

"We are talking about a fantastic goalkeeper, a really good guy, and I'm happy to work with him.

"I don't know about this issue (surrounding Courtois' family living in Spain).

"For sure, when you are in a great club and you trust in the project, you want to stay. You want to continue to play for this team. The family is not a problem.

"You are talking about two important players for us.

"It's very important to try to improve your team, to strengthen your team, and not to sell the best 

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Alvaro Morata, Marcos Alonso earn Chelsea win against Brighton

Second-half goals from Alvaro Morata and Spanish compatriot Marcos Alonso earned Chelsea a 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday, moving the Premier League champions to within a point of second-placed Manchester United.

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, who this month said his side were no longer in the title race given the dominance of runaway leaders Manchester City, said the Londoners were determined to fight for their place in next season's Champions League.

Morata, returning to the team after a one-match suspension, and Alonso both scored with headers to breach Brighton and Hove Albion's disciplined defence after a fallow first half.

Spearheaded by the lively Eden Hazard, Chelsea enjoyed the lion's share of possession and seldom looked vulnerable to a Brighton team who sought to thwart their hosts at every opportunity.

Less than a minute into the second half, Morata sprang to meet Cesar Azpilicueta's diagonal ball, reviving an all-Spain partnership that has resulted in the defender providing six assists for the striker so far this season.

Chelsea wrapped up the match 13 minutes later when Alonso glanced in a near-post header from a corner by a fourth Spain international, Fabregas, to make it 2-0. It was Alonso's fifth league goal of the season.

The win increased pressure on second-placed Manchester United who could only manage a 2-2 home draw with Burnley.

Conte said there was "great motivation, to try to stay there, to try to fight until the end" but said the challenge to overhaul Manchester City's 13-point advantage over Chelsea - having played a game less than the Londoners - looked too great.

"We fight for a place in the Champions League next season. There are four places for six top teams," he said.

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Antonio Conte rues Alvaro Morata's absence after draw

Alvaro Morata might owe his manager a goal for Christmas after his needless suspension robbed Chelsea's attack of its clinical edge in a 0-0 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Morata, Chelsea's leading scorer with nine Premier League goals in his first season since joining from Real Madrid, picked up a yellow card for "over-celebrating" his stoppage time winner against Bournemouth in the League Cup on Wednesday.

It was the kind of booking that drives managers to distraction, especially as it was Morata's fifth of the season which activated an automatic one-match ban.

Had Morata been on the pitch he may have converted one of the 25 goal attempts his side mustered, none of which breached Everton's rearguard. The closest they actually came to a goal was when Ashley Williams headed against his own crossbar.

"Don't forget our striker, Morata, was out and I think he's very important because he's our finisher," said Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, whose reigning champions are now 16 points behind league leaders Manchester City despite winning eight of their last 11 league matches.

Keeper Jordan Pickford was Everton's man of the match, saving his side numerous times as Eden Hazard, Pedro and Tiemoue Bakayoko all threatened for the visitors who enjoyed overwhelming territorial superiority.

"We hit the bar and the defender (Phil Jagielka) saved on the goal line so we are disappointed because we deserved to win and take the three points," Conte said.

Despite his disappointment Conte was pleased with Chelsea's performance against a rejuvenated Everton who are unbeaten in six games, five of them under new manager Sam Allardyce.

"We have to take the points against a team who, after the top six, I consider the best team in the league," he said.

"We played away, against a good team, with great intensity and concentration and the defenders played very well.

"It's a pity, but at the same time it was a really good performance and another clean sheet, but if you want to win this game you must score. We created chances to score 10 but we must be more clinical. We were also a bit unlucky."

Morata will be back for Chelsea's home match against Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day.

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