Chelsea

Antonio Conte defends Chelsea record compared to Jose Mourinho

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 21 April 2018

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte defends his record across his first 100 games in charge, which he believes compares favourably with that of Jose Mourinho.

Antonio Conte has said that he is "pleased" with his record since arriving at Chelsea after racking up 100 games in charge of the club.

The landmark match came at Turf Moor on Thursday evening when the Blues ran out deserved 2-1 winners, just about keeping their top-four hopes alive.

Chelsea have struggled for consistency all season long, falling well short of the form showed in Conte's first campaign at the helm when winning the Premier League and finishing runners-up in the FA Cup.

Amid talk that he is on the brink of being sacked, however, the 48-year-old has pointed out that his record compares favourably with that of Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, recording 65 wins across those 100 games compared to Mourinho's 72.

"For sure, this is a good stat but I know that, this season, we could have done better," he told reporters. "Mourinho was 72 in the first 100? We are talking about a great manager. Don't forget that the first 100 games with Mourinho were many years ago. Now it's not simple, I think.

"To have these type of results in this moment, in this present Chelsea, I must be pleased for the players, for the club, but for sure, we could do better.

"I won a title with Juventus after two seventh places. When you win a title in this way, it's a great, great achievement. Not a simple achievement. Last season we won a title after a 10th place. When you win a title in this way, it means it's a great, great achievement.

"Not a simple achievement, only because your name is Chelsea and it's normal because in the past you won many titles. You have to see the era you are going through."

Chelsea have reportedly eyed up Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri to replace Conte in the summer.