Antonio
Conte says Nemanja Matic is an important player for Chelsea and insists the
pair have no problems.
Matic has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer,
with Juventus reportedly monitoring the player's availability as they seek a
replacement for new Manchester United signing Paul Pogba.
However, Conte was adamant the 28-year-old Serbia international is aware of
his value to the club and denied there is any conflict between them.
"Nemanja is an important player for me, and he knows this," said Conte.
"There isn't a problem with him - Nemanja was a Chelsea player and is a
Chelsea player."
Conte will get his first experience of Premier League football when his side
take on West Ham United, live on Monday Night Football, as Chelsea aim to
improve on last season's disappointing campaign, which saw them finish 10th
in the top flight.
The former Italy manager revealed he has been in constant contact with his
players in order to get their perspective on why Chelsea underperformed.
"I speak a lot with my players, all my players," Conte added.
"Usually when you arrive at a new club it's important to get to know the
players, all the aspects.
"It's important to speak with all the players, to understand, to listen, why
the last season was so bad.
"Because for the coach, for the first time arriving it's important to go
inside, into the head of the players to understand and solve the situation."
Chelsea have already spent more than £60m on new signings N'Golo Kante and
Michy Batshuayi in a bid to steer them back to the top of the league, but
Conte said the club's attempts to bring in more players are proving
difficult.
"For all the clubs, it's a crazy transfer market," said Conte.
"Not for Chelsea, in general. This market is a bit crazy, because when you
try to buy one or another player, the cost is very, very expensive, and not
the real valuation of the player.
"And it's a very strange situation. But now we are waiting for the right
solution for the club."
Despite failing to bring in more players, Conte confirmed 20-year-old
Bertrand Traore has joined Dutch giants Ajax on loan, but believes the
striker still has a potential future with Chelsea.
"Traore is a good prospect, he's a prospect for a Chelsea player," Conte
added. "He's going on loan to Ajax, he's a good player."
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