Conte lauds Kante signing – after debut defeat to Austrians shows just why Chelsea need him
New manager goes down 2-0 in his first game in charge
Chelsea coach Antonio Conte hailed the signing of N’Golo Kante after the France international joined from Premier League champions Leicester City on Saturday.
Kante, 25, became Chelsea’s second major signing this month, following the arrival of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, after the Blues paid a reported £32 million (HK$327 million) for the defensive midfielder.
“I want to say Kante was a target and for this reason I’m very happy the club bought the player,” said Conte, after watching Chelsea lose 2-0 to Rapid Vienna in his first match in charge.
“He’s a good player. He has good technique, fantastic stamina and I like this type of player. If you want to win then a team needs this type of player that works hard for the team.
“All together we are working to improve the squad. We know we have to but we prefer to wait and go for our targets, rather than go with emotion and take the players who don’t adapt to our idea of football.”
Conte fielded an experienced side with John Terry named as captain for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Rapid in the Austrian capital.