Antonio Conte has said Chelsea’s preparations to face Manchester City have not been affected by Sergio Aguero’s shock absence following a car accident, and added that he has no issues with allowing his players to go abroad on days off.
Asked if the news that Aguero will not play at Stamford Bridge on Saturday has forced him to alter his plans, Conte replied: “No. But, first of all, I’m sorry for this situation. I hope that his feeling is good. Usually when you have this kind of accident, it’s not good. But I think and hope he stays healthy.”
Many have shown surprise that Aguero was allowed out of the UK by City so close to the Chelsea match, but Conte has given his own players similar freedom in the past and has no problem with it.
“Honestly, I’m not worried,” he said. “I think that I have players who try to make the best decisions. It’s important to understand when there is the room to travel, to go to see a game or for other situations.
“I was a player and when you have your day off, you must take your own responsibility to try and make the best decision for you, the team and the club.
“I like to give responsibility. The players are not kids. They are men. They have family. They have sons and I think it’s important to give them the right responsibility. Then, for sure, they have to make the best decisions for themselves, for the club, for everyone.”
“I have great respect for Pep,” he added. “I think he’s the best and I have great respect for him, for his work. I like to watch his games. Don’t forget, every coach tries every day to take more information, new ideas, and then try to elaborate with your style, no? Pep is a really good coach and I follow his games.”
“It will not be easy to make decisions tomorrow because, in my eyes, there is the last performance against Atletico. Every single player performed really well in this game. But I have to check the physical condition for every single player, and then make the best decision.”
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