Chelsea legend Michael Essien gives backing to under-fire manager Antonio Conte
CHELSEA legend Michael Essien believes Blues manager Antonio Conte is still the right man to take the club forward.
Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2018 by Dailystar.co.uk
Antonio Conte has come under heavy pressure at Chelsea this season
Conte guided Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season at Stamford Bridge but has had a disastrous second campaign in England.
The Blues look set to miss out on qualifying for the Champions League as they sit eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, with the FA Cup their only hope of silverware.
But Essien, who enjoyed nine successful years at Chelsea, has faith in Conte and his squad to turn it around next season.
"They had a fantastic season last year winning the Premier League," the former midfielder said.
Michael Essien backs Chelsea and manager to turn things around
"This year for whatever reason they are not doing quite well. I mean it's one of those things in football, you go up and down.
"They still have good players, a great manager to still lead the team.
"We're all hoping they can finish the season very well."
Essien won the Premier League twice with Chelsea between 2005 to 2014 as well as four FA Cups.
And the former Ghana international feels proud to have been a part of the west London club's rise under the ownership of Roman Abramovich.
"I'm quite blessed to be part of this generation that kind of put Chelsea where it is today," Essien added.
"As you said back in the day people didn't really know about Chelsea.
"From my time there until now, Chelsea is growing bigger and bigger and bigger every day."
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