Antonio Conte: 'I don't fear being sacked by Chelsea board'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 21 October 2017

Antonio Conte admits that he feels "a lot of pressure" to keep Chelsea supporters happy, but does not fear being sacked by the club's board.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has insisted that he does not fear being sacked by the club's board, despite being under "a lot of pressure" to please supporters.

The 48-year-old saw his side battle to a 4-2 victory over Watford on Saturday lunchtime, as they dug deep to avoid three Premier League losses on the spin for the first time since November 2015.

Rumours emerged earlier in the week suggesting that Chelsea's players have grown unhappy with their workload on the training ground, while the Blues' board members were also said to be frustrated by the Italian coach's growing list of excuses after defeats.

Following the much-needed win over Watford, though, Conte stressed that he is not worried by the ongoing talk of behind-the-scenes unrest.

"I must be honest - I feel a lot of pressure but not this type of pressure. If the club decide to sack me," he told reporters. "Honestly I will never be worried for this. Never.

"The pressure is I want for my players and to give satisfaction for my fans. I feel this type of pressure. When I go to my house I am happy because I know I am putting 150% for my club and my players are doing the same."

Chelsea, who are now fourth in the Premier League on 16 points from their first nine games, return to action on Wednesday with a trip to face Everton in the EFL Cup.