Antonio Conte dismisses talk of Chelsea player unrest over training methods

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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has dismissed rumours of discontent over his training methods.

The Italian insists Chelsea's training loads are "70 per cent less" than during last season's Premier League-winning campaign.

And Conte says the proximity of matches renders the work which brought success last term "impossible".

"I don't know about this," he said, when asked about media speculation of disgruntlement at Chelsea.

"I have my methods. It's the same, like last season when we won the league.

"Honestly I think we are working maybe 70 per cent less this season. Maybe for this reason we are having trouble.

"When you play every three days it's impossible to work on the tactical aspect and physical aspect.

"I think we are paying less attention in every detail."

Chelsea play Watford on Saturday, seeking to avoid a third successive Premier League loss after defeats to Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

The last time Chelsea lost three straight league games was autumn 2015 as Jose Mourinho's second spell as boss was unravelling before his departure that December.

Conte was asked about his position and his happiness.

"At the moment, after two defeats and a draw, I'm happy for the commitment, efforts of my players," he added.

"If you ask me about the last results I'm not happy because after two defeats and one draw no coach can be happy.

"If I feel the pressure? I think every coach, every manager has to feel the pressure.

"When I go to my house I'm happy because I know in every moment I put all myself in my job for this club, for the fans, for my players.

"[But] you know very well anything can happen in football."

The Blues, who top Champions League Group C after Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Roma, are nine points behind Premier League leaders City entering this weekend's fixtures.

PA