Antonio Conte is set to take charge of Chelsea FC and assume one of the hottest seats in the soccer world.
Chelsea announced on its website Monday it has appointed Conte as its new first-team head coach. Conte currently manages Italy’s national team, and he’ll go to Stamford Bridge this summer after his country’s participation in Euro 2016.
Conte told ChelseaFC.com he’s looking forward to his new challenge, and his focus now will return to his current role, following months of rumors linking him to jobs at Chelsea and other clubs.
“I am very excited about the prospect of working at Chelsea Football Club,” Conte said. “I am proud to be the coach of the national team of my country, and only a role as attractive as manager of Chelsea could follow that …
“I am happy we have made the announcement now so everything is clear and we can end the speculation. I will continue to focus on my job with the Italian national team and will reserve speaking about Chelsea again until after the Euros.”
Conte, 46, is one of the most highly regarded coaches of his generation. He lead Juventus to three consecutive Serie A (Italian first division) titles during his tenure in Turin between 2011 and 2014. Juventus finished seventh the season before his arrival.
Chelsea hopes Conte will have a similar galvanizing effect in West London. The Blues won the Premier League in 2014-15, but this season has been disastrous. After Chelsea hovered just above the relegation zone for almost half the campaign, owner Roman Abramovich fired Jose Mourinho and installed Guus Hiddink as caretaker manager. Chelsea now sits in 10th place with seven games remaining and has no hopes of winning a trophy this season.
Conte soon will occupy a seat on which many have sat temporarily.
He’ll become the 10th Italian to manage in the Premier League and also revive Chelsea’s tradition of looking to Italy for coaches.
Thumbnail photo via Maurizio Degl’Innocenti/ANSA/Associated Press
