Ross Barkley’s attitude pleases new boss Antonio Conte
January 10, 2018
Antonio Conte has been impressed by new signing Ross Barkley although he concedes he isn’t sure how soon the England midfielder will be in contention to feature for Chelsea.
Barkley, who signed last week from Everton in a deal worth around £15m, has been troubled by a hamstring problem this season.
Conte is happy with Barkley’s physical condition although the 24-year-old is not in contention to feature against Arsenal in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.
“I think is very soon, very soon for him,” said Conte. “But we must be pleased because his physical condition is good, and he has started to train with us, understand our football.
“I think that we must be pleased, but he needs a bit of time to work on the physical and tactical aspects.
His condition is good, very good.” The Italian isn’t willing to put any timeframe on Barkley’s involvement with first team, but he is certainly being earmarked for a key contribution over the second half of the season which could increase his hopes of going to the World Cup in Russia with England this summer.
“I don’t know, it’s very difficult to say now,” Conte said when asked how soon Barkley might be available.
“But at the same time I’m very positive because the player is a good guy, he’s shown great will to work, great desire to help us very soon. “And I think it’s very positive.
I’m very happy to have Ross with us for the rest of the season.”
Chelsea are 1.70 to defeat Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. The Gunners are 4.75 while a repeat of last week’s 2-2 Premier League draw from the Emirates is 13.00.
