Ahead of Chelsea`s game against Everton in the Carabao Cup, there is still a smattering of whispers claiming that some Chelsea players are not happy with Antonio Conte. Thibaut Courtois has spoken to the media and rebuked those claims, The Express have the quotes,
`We are ready to fight for the coach. I remember what happened two years ago under Jose Mourinho and things started to be said, there were stories about the dressing room without knowing what was happening.`
It`s actually good to hear one of the players speak up. Not just about Conte, but also about that fabled 2015-16 season if doom. In the Express article the Belgian shot-stopper went onto to say,
`We are happy to show that we are ready to fight. We all know what would have happened [more debate over Conte`s future] if we had lost against Watford. There was a moment when we were 2-1 down, we were having difficulties and Watford could have made it 4-1. It was very important to come back to win.`
For some reason the press and pundits have decided to keep the pressure up on our likeable boss and it`s good that players are prepared to stand up and speak out. Courtois is not the most popular player amongst the Chelsea faithful, but at a time when the team appear to be missing on-field leadership, the Belgian`s word are most welcome.
Meanwhile in Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, not doubt continues to be lauded as the best thing since sliced bread as his side continue to struggle defensively. Courtois wrapped things up with a final swipe at Jose Mourinho for good measure,
`In 2015 under Mourinho we wanted to fight as well but the games didn`t turn out well for us, there was too much bad luck. Different things happened. But we are showing we want to fight now, firstly as a group of players. We want to win games. We don`t want to lose. We want to fight for ourselves too. It is important for us. Some of us remember what happened two years ago – and we don`t want the same thing to happen.`
Courtois is unlikely to feature in the Carabao clash, as the manager gives Willy Caballero is second outing between the sticks, but will be back when Chelsea visit Bournemouth on Saturday in the 17:30 game.
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