Alvaro Morata: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte “most trusted in me, most wanted me”
By George Perry
Alvaro Morata carries a deep sense of gratitude for Antonio Conte, who took a chance on Morata at Juventus but left before they ever worked together.
Alvaro Morata has been a frequent visitor to Chelsea’s transfer rumour mill since the summer. Unlike most of his silly season companions, Morata actually has a deep-rooted emotional connection to Chelsea that could bring him to west London.
Juventus paid Real Madrid £20 million for Alvaro Morata at Antonio Conte’s urging. Soon after, Conte left Juventus to take over the Italian national team. Despite not having the opportunity to play for Conte, Morata feels a strong connection to him. Conte showed a high level of confidence in Morata’s abilities, which has fueled Morata ever since.
"Conte is the manager who most bet on me, without even ever having had me in his team. I’m very conscious of that… I feel indebted to him because he’s the coach that most trusted in me, most wanted me, who made me feel I could perform at the highest level. – The Guardian"
In a lengthy and very candid interview with The Guardian, Morata emerges as a player who is acutely aware of the psychological pressures of top-flight football and his own needs in that environment. Having played at Real Madrid and Juventus, he has spent plenty of time under the fiercest scrutiny the sport can inflict. Despite his accomplishments at age 24, Conte’s gesture still stands as a source of confidence and self-belief.
Morata’s biggest challenge throughout his current stint at Real Madrid is getting playing time. He is Real’s second-leading scorer with 11 goals, behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s 19. Despite his productivity, he trails Gareth Bale, Isco and Karim Benzema in minutes.
"I need games as a starter, continuity, and over the last three years I haven’t had that… I have that desire to start more, then I think I can reach a much higher level."
Alvaro Morata’s character makes him an ideal transfer target, in addition to his footballing abilities. Morata is seeking the opportunity to repay Conte’s trust. His desire for stability and his attachment to Antonio Conte means that Morata will play for the shirt, an attribute Chelsea are lacking among those of the striker persuasion.
Moreover, he knows what it feels like to not be a regular starter. He is determined to earn and keep his place in the XI. At Chelsea, away from the galactico culture, Morata’s attitude and performance will ensure he is a regular part of the squad. He will have all the benefits of a perennial title-contending global club without the excesses of life at the Bernabeu.
Next: Didier Drogba hopes he can guide Phoenix's rise to Major League Soccer
Morata says that if he leaves Spain it will be for the Premier League. Chelsea have the clear lead in the battle for his signature given his relationship with Antonio Conte. Morata says that “sooner or later” he will play for Conte. Since Conte will clearly (clearly!) be at Chelsea for some time, Morata should prepare to wear Blue.