FABRIZIO RAVANELLI believes hiring Antonio Conte has “guaranteed” Chelsea the
title.
The pair were team-mates at Juventus for four years from 1992 to 1996.
And while Middlesbrough legend Ravanelli never thought pal Conte would go on
to be a manager, he is convinced the Blues have made the correct
appointment.
He said: “Chelsea
have made the right choice if they want to win back the Premier League.
“I think, under Antonio Conte, it’s a guarantee.
“He is one of the most meticulous managers in the world — but also a fighter.
“Chelsea have made a great decision.
“To be honest, when we were together I didn’t think he would become a manager.
“But when he did start his new career — even if he had endured some difficult
times — you could see he was going to be successful.
“He always had a great determination. He always had a willingness to make it
to the top — and that shows in his incredible rise.
“He won promotions, he won three league titles in a row. He’s an extraordinary
boss.”
Ravanelli’s final game for Juve was the 1996 Champions League final —
alongside Conte.
The Old Lady beat Louis van Gaal’s Ajax in a penalty shootout after a 1-1
draw.
Ravanelli, who gave Juventus an early lead that night, revealed that Conte was
always certain he would again win the competition as a boss.
He added: “He has always said that, having won it as a player, he wants to win
it as a manager. No, he WILL win it as a manager.
“So, I think in his future, there will be a Champions League victory. And I
hope for him it’s with Chelsea.”
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Ravanelli, dubbed the White Feather due to his hair colour, switched Turin for
Middlesbrough after that successful night in Rome.
And he hit the ground running with an opening-day hat-trick in a 3-3 draw
against Liverpool.
Ravanelli went on to rack up 31 goals that season as Boro lost in the final
of the FA Cup and League Cup.
So he knows what it takes to settle quickly in English football. He said: “The
main difference is between Latin culture and English culture.
“Antonio Conte needs to be smart and if he wants to change, he needs to do it
bit by bit and not rush into it. He brings a wealth of experience, which is
important.
“He is meticulous — especially on tactics. He demands professionalism.
“It will also be important for him to adapt to the culture of his players.”
But Ravanelli, 47, reckons John Terry will struggle to get a reprieve from his
new boss.
The Chelsea skipper is out of contract in the summer — and the club claimed
they were waiting for a new manager to be appointed before making a final
decision on any new deal.
But Ravanelli said: “John Terry has had a difficult year, he hasn’t played
enough.
“He has to speak to Conte because a great player will not want to sit on the
bench.
“I don’t know what Conte will want to do.”