I hope Conte can reach Mourinho’s level –Zola

Former Chelsea forward and Italy international, Gianfranco Zola, has said he hopes that Chelsea coach Antonio Conte who took over the Blues this season can reach the level of his predecessor Jose Mourinho.

If Conte can wrestle the title back for the Blues, he will only be two Premier League crowns behind Mourinho.

Zola also backed the Chelsea boss to deliver success, as Chelsea seem to have found the recipe for success in Antonio Conte with six straight league wins, six consecutive clean sheets and a point above rivals Liverpool at the top of the table.

Speaking on Thursday at the official unveiling of William Hill’s Chelsea shop on Fulham Broadway, the Italian told The Sun: “I really hope for him and Chelsea that he can reach Mourinho’s level. It’s a good comparison and we will see if he can do that.

Read Also: Mourinho rubbishes claims of Messi move to Old Trafford

“I know Antonio’s value. Over the years, I’ve seen how well he works. The only question I had was if his methods were going to stick with the players quickly because Antonio is quite intense.

“But everyone at Chelsea has bought into it. If the players can feel that passion, then they are more fired up.

“There is no doubt Antonio is a winner. Winning three back-to-back Italian titles with Juventus is an incredible feat.

“Wherever he goes, he does a good job. The competition in the Premier League now is tougher than what he had in Italy.

“But he’s up to the challenge. Winning is in his blood. He’s in great shape and I really hope they can continue.”

Conte had a shaky start at Stamford Bridge but his 3-4-3 formation change has transformed the Blues. The Chelsea boss was recently named October’s Manager of the Month. And at the moment, Chelsea sit at the summit of the table, one point ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City.

Up next for Conte’s men is Tottenham on Saturday evening.
By Ben Fidelis…

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