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4 takeaways from Antonio Conte’s first Chelsea press conference

By George Perry

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: The new Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte poses with a Chelsea shirt during a press conference at Stamford Bridge on July 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: The new Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte poses with a Chelsea shirt during a press conference at Stamford Bridge on July 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: John Terry of Chelsea applauds supporters after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on May 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: John Terry of Chelsea applauds supporters after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on May 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /

Antonio Conte confirms that John Terry will keep his role as Chelsea captain

Antonio Conte confirmed that John Terry will remain Chelsea’s captain in the 2016/17 season. This is hardly a surprise, but it is reassuring that Conte values continuity and the existing leadership in the locker room. Along with assistant first team manager Steve Holland, Terry will lead the locker room into the Conte era as he has for the Ranieri, Mourinho, Grant, Villas-Boas, di Matteo, Benitez and Hiddink eras.

"John Terry is captain of Chelsea when he plays and when he doesn’t play. He’s always captain. He is an important player for me, the club and the fans."

Terry’s continued captaincy validates what many expected his new, reduced role would be. After the prolonged contract negotiations that saw Terry move one more year closer to retiring as a Blue, many foresaw limited playing time but a large off-field value for the captain. With a new manager bringing in different staff and likely many new players, the Conte-Terry partnership will be as important as any other at Stamford Bridge.

John Terry still needs to prove himself on- and off-field to Antonio Conte. Terry wanted a two-year deal to close out his career as a Blue. He only secured half of that. As he heads into his final contract negotiations as a player this winter, Terry could scarcely have a better trump card than Antonio Conte insisting – demanding – that Roman Abramovich and Michael Emenalo give him his proper curtain call.

Next: Conte coy with tactics

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