Antonio Conte says that it is a “challenge” for him and Chelsea to keep working together for long enough to see him walk out as the manager at the new Stamford Bridge, once it is built.
Chelsea will undergo a huge £500million redevelopment of their stadium to boost the capacity to over 60,000 seats after overcoming many significant hurdles in the past year.
Chelsea 11/1 to beat Spurs 2-1
Tottenham, who are Chelsea’s opponents on Sunday, will play the first ever Premier League game at Wembley Stadium before moving into their own new stadium built on the site of the old White Hart Lane.
And Conte is keen to lead out Chelsea in their new surroundings, as counterpart Mauricio Pochettino is expected to do for Spurs at their new home.
Next Match
"I want to break this bad record [of sackings at Chelsea]. I must be positive. When you start a job with a new club, I hope to stay in this club for many years," Conte said at a news conference at Cobham Training Centre. "It means you have the possibility to work with the same players, to improve these players year by year.
"Why not? I hope [to manage Chelsea into their new stadium]. I hope because this could be a fantastic challenge for me and also for the club, to stay together and also to play with this team in a new stadium.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council/Chelsea FC/Herzog & de Meuron
"Honestly, the new stadium will be great, but I love a lot Stamford Bridge, also to play in the stadium. I feel Stamford Bridge is like my house."
Chelsea’s stadium redevelopment is still awaiting a start date despite significant progress being made. The Blues will likely relocate to Wembley temporarily just like Spurs have done this season.
However, Spurs haven't had much success playing at Wembley in recent seasons, recording a number of underwhelming performances at the home of England's national side.
They most recently they lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final there and Conte sympathises with the struggles of getting used to a new ground - after being the first manager to lead Juventus out at the Juventus Stadium.
"For sure it was a key moment for Juventus,” he added. “I think there is a big difference, because the Delle Alpi, I played a lot in this stadium as a player. I think that it wasn't a real stadium. It was very cold and you don't feel the passion of the fans because the stand was very far from the pitch.
Getty Images
"When we changed in the new stadium we started to play in Juventus Stadium, the situation changed totally, above all for the players. The players felt the fans behind them. It's great. Stamford Bridge is similar to Juventus Stadium and is a really good stadium, but for sure the new stadium will be fantastic for the club, for the coach, for the players.
"Yes, for sure it's not the same when you play not in your stadium. It's different. But if you want to have another good step to improve the club, you must have this type of situation."
