Conte: Abramovich is ‘demanding’

Antonio Conte admits that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is a “demanding boss” but says the Russian billionaire is very much a student of the game.

The 47-year-old Italian took charge at Stamford Bridge during the summer, and has made a strong start to his first managerial season in the Premier League.

Interviewed through a translator, Conte says of Abramovich: “He’s a very demanding employer but a great football enthusiast.

“Mr Abramovich is an employer and owner who has great passion for football. He wants to know and understand your ideas.

“He went to Austria to follow our training sessions. He comes to Cobham to spend time with us and watch the videos I show to my players, because he really wants to understand. I think this is wonderful.”

Abramovic, who turned 50 last month, has seen the Blues win four Premier League titles one European Cup since he bought the club in 2003.