Former Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli has defended under-fire Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, hailing him as a successful trainer.

There have been rumors of discontent at Stamford Bridge with Antonio Conte’s tenure, but Vialli was speaking to Sky Sports and defended the former Juventus and Italy boss. He said: "I'm shocked, because he took a team that had come seventh two seasons ago and turned it, leading him to win the Premier League.

Vialli also spoke for the fact that the players must relish playing under the Italian. He said: “If I was a player, I would see in such a technician my guru, messiah, I would always work with him. Conte is a winning, successful trainer.”

Vialli also refused to believe in rumors of discontent surrounding the former Azzurri boss’ tenure at Chelsea. He told Sky: “I do not believe rumors of a break with the environment: if it were true, it would be news outside the world. "


Chelsea’s next assignment in the Premier League sees them play Bournemouth away from homeon Saturday, following a home game against Everton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.