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Roman's empire

Roman Abramovich makes rare visit to Chelsea training as Antonio Conte admits he’s under pressure

Chelsea's owner makes a rare appearance at the Cobham training facility hoping to kick start a revolution following a humiliating loss as it did last season

Chelsea’s owner Roman Abramovich made a rare appearance at the Blues training ground this week.

His visit came after their humiliating 3-0 defeat against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday – which marked Chelsea’s worse loss in Europe in five years.


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Roman Abramovich made a rare visit Chelsea’s training following their Champions League defeat

AP:Associated Press
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Roman Abramovich made a rare visit Chelsea’s training following their Champions League defeat

The Italian boss admits he is under pressure with the reigning league champions currently sitting fourth in the standings and could be a full 12 points behind leaders Manchester City by the time they kick off on Sunday.

Ahead of the crunch clash with second-placed Manchester United, Conte insists his relationship with the Russian billionaire owner is as strong now as when his team were on top form last season.

Abramovich doesn’t frequent the Cobham facility often and has a reputation of being trigger happy with his managers.

But a rare visit from the elusive big boss usually follows a loss – he was last seen at the training ground after Chelsea lost 3-0 to Arsenal last season.

Conte admits he is under pressure but his relationship with the clubs owner is still strong

Rex Features
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Conte admits he is under pressure but his relationship with the clubs owner is still strong

Abramovic will hope his latest appearance will spark another revolution as it did last campaign when the Blues bounced back from the big loss to make their run towards the title.

After his visit Conte said: “My relationship is the same as last season.

Nainggolan and Roma host Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night

EPA
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Che;sea were crushed by Roma in the Champions League during the week

“I don’t see a difference between this season and last season. I know I have to do my job. My only worry is to do my job with all myself.

“I repeat: I’m doing my job in this way so, for this reason, when I finish my work here and go home, I’m satisfied with what I’m doing this season for this club, and last season for this club, and for months.

“Honestly, I feel always the same pressure. The same pressure. I like the pressure. I was born with the pressure. Before the game, I feel the pressure to win. In every game. Last season it was the same.

Willian claims Antonio Conte only talks to players to give out instructions

PA:Press Association
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Chelsea’s Willian has said Antonio Conte only talks to players to give out instructions

“When you stay on top of the table you feel the pressure to win because you want to stay on top of the table. I feel always the same pressure. This is very important. Above all for me because I’m a passionate man with a great enthusiasm. I need to feel this type of pressure.”

Conte will get a boost against United on Sunday with the likely return of N’Golo Kante after a a six-game absence due to a hamstring injury.

He is keen to pair the French international with his former Leicester City teammate Danny Drinkwater for the first time this season.

Drinkwater and Kante’s partnership in Leicester helped the Foxes to the Premier League title.