Chelsea

Antonio Conte: 'Nemanja Matic an important player for Chelsea'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 12 August 2016

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insists that Nemanja Matic remains an "important" part of his plans despite speculation linking him with a move to Juventus.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted that Nemanja Matic remains an "important" part of his plans for the upcoming campaign.

The 28-year-old endured a disappointing campaign last season, while the arrival of N'Golo Kante from Leicester City has raised questions over his future at the club.

Juventus have been credited with an interest in the midfielder as a replacement for Paul Pogba, but Conte suggested that the Serbian is going nowhere.

"Nemanja is an important player for me, and he knows this. There isn't a problem with him - Nemanja was a Chelsea player and is a Chelsea player," he told reporters.

"I speak a lot with my players, all my players. Usually when you arrive at a new club it's important to get to know the players, all the aspects.

"It's important to speak with all the players, to understand, to listen, why the last season was so bad. Because for the coach, for the first time arriving it's important to go inside, into the head of the players to understand and solve the situation."

Chelsea will begin their new campaign at home to West Ham United on Monday night.