By Daily Sports on April 1, 2018

Chelsea’s Davide Zappacosta would rather Antonio Conte remained his manager at Stamford Bridge than became his boss for the Italian national team.

Zappacosta, 25, is in the strange position of knowing he might have Conte as his boss for either club or country next season, with Conte facing an uncertain future at Chelsea and wanted by the Italian FA.

But ahead of Sunday’s key London derby against Spurs, which could have a strong bearing on Champions League qualification, the defender has made it clear he strongly wants his countryman to stay in charge at Chelsea.

“The coach is really important for us. He’s worked in a really good way for Chelsea since the start of the season. He is focused on us and his objective is to keep on winning with Chelsea. He always tries to work in the best way for us,” said Zappacosta.

“He is a good coach, a football teacher who makes you plan in a good way. He gives you advice to make sure you are in exactly the right way on the pitch. He is able to give you the strength of character to build your confidence.”

Zappacosta was signed by Conte from Torino on deadline day last summer but the £23 million wing-back has had a mixed season like a lot of players at Chelsea and hasn't been able to displace Victor Moses on a regular basis.

However, he played well for Italy in their 1-1 draw against England at Wembley last week and says he is settled in London.

“Everything changed for me after the move, especially from the climate point of view. But since I've been here, I have got to know a lot of Italians in the area I live. I have started to feel at home here and they have helped me integrate into the society and London life. I have to say I feel really well here.

“For sure, the Spurs game is an important match. We’re preparing in the best way we can. We know about Harry Kane but they have a lot of difficult players to face and we must pay a lot of attention to them. A good result could make a real difference to us at the end of the season.”

•Sourced from Daily Mail. Photo shows Chelsea’s Davide Zappacosta

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 1, 2018

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