Antonio Conte: There is no Chelsea food ban, but stars now know 'right balance'

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Standard Sport29 October 2016

Antonio Conte has denied that he has banned Chelsea players from eating certain foods, but says the squad have been educated on the ideal diet.

Conte hinted back in August that he had taken pizza, tomato ketchup, brown sauce and fizzy drinks off the menu at the club's training ground in a bid to improve fitness levels after the Blues finished 10th last season.

The 47-year-old Italian is well known for his no-nonsense approach to fitness, and expects high levels of dedication in his new 3-4-3 Blues formation.

However, Conte insists that the Chelsea players have merely been told what their diet should contain, and are not prevented from eating any particular foods.

"Before pre-season we explained only the right balance when you eat, with carbohydrate, protein and fat," he told reporters on Friday.

"Only this, but not to prevent or ban something.

"I like pasta, but I try to avoid because a lot of carbohydrate is not good.

"At the end of my career I started to eat very well, and I felt the benefit of this.

"For this reason when I started my new career as a coach, I wanted to bring this idea to my players.

"I think it's a good solution because you don't ban anything - you just want the right balance to eat carbohydrate, protein and fat.

"It's important because it can also prevent injuries.

"You recover very quickly, you're more fresh in the mental aspect. I think this because I tried it myself."

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