Chelsea news: Antonio Conte reports shocking… I just do not believe they are true - Vialli

Chelsea have made a less than convincing start to their title defence and had to come from behind to beat Watford 4-2 on Saturday.

The Blues already find themselves playing catch up, as they are nine points behind table-toppers Manchester City after nine games.

Conte was nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach at an awards ceremony last night.

The Italian was vocal in his criticism of Chelsea’s transfer activity in the summer, as he missed out on several of his main targets.

And former Blues player and manager Vialli is disgusted to hear reports that some stars are against Conte.

“Yes, I'm shocked because you have a side that came seventh two years ago and then you've got an Italian manager arriving and turning the squad around and winning the title,” Vialli told Sky Sports News.

"If I was a player I'd look at this manager thinking he's my guru, my Messiah, I want to be with him all the time and no matter what he says or what he makes me do in training, I need to stick to his methods because he's a winner and he's a successful manager.

"So I don't believe it is true, if it was true I would be shocked because it would be out of order in my opinion."

Next up for Chelsea is the visit of Everton in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow (7.45pm).

After that, they travel to face Bournemouth on Saturday (5.30pm).