Antonio Conte reveals secret chat with former Chelsea captain John Terry over extreme training methods and claims 'Zidane & Del Piero trained much harder' than title-winning team

The Napoli manager has revealed that he acquiesced to a request from then-Chelsea captain Terry in 2016 to ease up on the intensity of his training sessions. However, as they lost their next two games, the Italian averred to stick to his guns, and that has not changed to this day. He also added that former Juventus team-mates Zinedine Zidane and Alessandro Del Piero "trained much harder" than the Blues side that won the 2017 Premier League title.

He told Corriere della Sera: "One time, the Chelsea captain [Terry] came to me to ask to slow down the pace (of training), to do fewer video sessions. I agreed, mainly out of respect to their culture, their different way of approaching football. When you're in a different country, you have to be careful to not cause too much upset. Well, we lost two games in a row and I risked being sacked. Since then, I always think that if I have to 'die' as a result of the choices that have been made, I have to do it my way, and not in the hands of others. This is the way. 'Trust the process' as they say in England. And when I think back to how tough training was, I smile. Zidane and Del Piero trained much harder. Today, we do about a third of what we used to do. The work has to be linked to the results on the pitch. I've coached teams where after a little while, the players themselves began to identify dangerous situations. For me, that means that we've achieved the right result."

Former Inter Milan manager Conte has developed a reputation as one of the best managers of the 21st century. The ex-Juventus boss has won multiple trophies in Italy and England, and the Italian has done it with his uncompromising and intense methods. After leading Napoli to the Serie A title, it is clear his management style is still very effective.

Former Tottenham manager Conte, who recently dismissed speculation he would leave Napoli to rejoin Juventus, will enjoy his summer break before preparing for next season with the Serie A champions.