Cesc Fabregas has revealed his belief that incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is the right man for the job to lead the club to success starting next season.
The former Juventus coach will leave his post as Italy boss when his contract expires after Euro 2016, and has already confirmed that he will move to Stamford Bridge later this summer.
Given his track record with the Bianconeri and Azzurri, it is expected that he will instil a winning mentality at Chelsea, with his methods and approach to coaching undoubtedly set to get the best out of the players at his disposal.
Fabregas, who has endured a difficult season this year, is relishing the prospect of working with Conte, and is convinced that he will push the squad hard to ensure that they get back to where they want to be next season.
“From what I’ve heard, and it’s probably proved by so many professionals talking about him, he’s disciplined, he’s a winner and he’s a competitor,” he said on Monday Night Football.
“That’s what we need. Someone that will always be on our back to push us and make us work hard, teaching us new things; the things he wants to do and achieve.
“All I know is that he wants to win straight away. No more transition, no more excuses. He wants to win and for that we’ll have to be prepared from day one.”
Conte led Juve to three consecutive Serie A titles, ending one of those campaigns unbeaten, before leading Italy to Euro 2016 without a single defeat in their qualification campaign.
Although his tactics have been criticised at times, the 46-year-old will relish the opportunity to test himself against some of the top tacticians in world football.
While that battle in itself will be fascinating next season, Conte will not settle for anything less than 100 per cent effort and desire from his players, and that could be a determining factor in their level of success next year.