Antonio Conte discussed the tactical evolution that transformed his Chelsea side and why “a manager must improve his players.”

The former Italy and Juventus boss is sitting in second place in the Premier League table after a remarkable run of five consecutive victories, in which they scored 16 goals and conceded none.

“It is not easy to arrive in a new club and to find out about a new country, a new language, and also you have to bring your new method, your new philosophy of football,” Conte told Chelseafc.com.

Antonio Conte discussed the tactical evolution that transformed his Chelsea side and why “a manager must improve his players.”

The former Italy and Juventus boss is sitting in second place in the Premier League table after a remarkable run of five consecutive victories, in which they scored 16 goals and conceded none.

“It is not easy to arrive in a new club and to find out about a new country, a new language, and also you have to bring your new method, your new philosophy of football,” Conte told Chelseafc.com.

“But after four months I am pleased about it all, because the players always have shown me a great attitude, a great work-rate during the training sessions and also during the games.”

It is no coincidence that the successful streak started when Conte moved to three at the back.

“We started the season with another system because the idea in my mind was that I wanted to play with the 4-2-4, and then we switched with 4-3-3 and we played also in the same way like last year, 4-2-3-1.

“But I noticed in some circumstances we didn’t have the right balance because when you concede more goals than your opponent and even more chances to score a goal, it is never a good thing.

“For this reason, we switched to the new system of 3-4-3 and I think this is a good fit for our squad because also we have the strikers adapted for this system.

“I thought it would improve us offensively as well as defensively and we didn’t lose our offensive situation. In this way we have increased it because we scored many goals and created a lot of chances to score the goals and also if you maintain the clean sheet, I think this is the right way.”

Many suggested Conte was returning to the 3-5-2 that he used so successfully at Juventus and with Italy at Euro 2016, but he explains that is not the case.

“The first time I changed to this system was against Arsenal for the last 25 minutes, and then we continued with this idea of football. For sure in this month we have developed, we have worked a lot on this system, and for sure I have to say thanks to my players because they had the right concentration, the right attitude, the right will to stay more than before in the training sessions and now it is easier than one month ago.

“But we know we can improve a lot on different aspects – the pressure on the ball, quickly being more compact – for sure we have to improve.

“In the pre-season I preferred to work on the concept, on the principles and then you develop the system of play, but I always knew this squad could play with this 3-4-3 system. In my mind there was this possibility.

“I knew the characteristics of the players and for this reason when I spoke to the club and we planned the season, this system was an alternative to the 4-2-4.”

Conte has vastly improved the performances of individuals like Eden Hazard, who seems like a different player compared to last season.

“I think that a manager must improve his players. It is important to work with the team but also one-to-one to bring out the talent of the players, to improve the weaknesses and become strengthened.

“Here at Chelsea we have a lot of talent but now we are working a lot with these players and I am pleased to see the great attitude and the great will to improve, and to play for the team because when you want to win something important, it is important to be a team.”

Conte has also brought a very Italian approach to fitness training, diet and tactics.

“I have two coaches for the physical work, two for the metabolic work and one for the strength work, and then I have two assistant coaches and also my brother who helps me to prepare for the games with analysis studying the opponent and studying our game.

“I also have Carlo Cudicini who is helping me and the other staff a lot with his experience because he knows the club well and for sure he is a person very important at this moment. He is helping to create a good relationship with the players.

“Communication is very important. It is important not only the manager but the staff feel their responsibility.”

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