N'Golo Kante in 'fantastic' shape as he joins up with new Chelsea team-mates, reveals Antonio Conte

Simon Johnson29 July 2016

Antonio Conte today revealed N'Golo Kante has reported for training in fantastic condition and expects him to make a major impact for Chelsea in midfield.

Kante joined in a £32m deal from Leicester earlier this month, but only joined up with his new team-mates for the first time last night following a post Euro 2016 break.

The 25-year-old, who was one of Leicester's best players as they won the title last term, trained for the first time today. Kante posted a picture of himself with his new manager on his Twitter feed, stating he was "happy to start with the team".

While he won't be considered for selection against Real Madrid in Michigan tomorrow, Conte says it won't be long before he is in contention.

He said: "For N'Golo today, it was the first day training with us. He’s in good physical condition, fantastic.

"We are pleased to have N'Golo with us because he is a player who doesn’t speak a lot but he does his job.

"He’s a good guy, humble, with a great will to work. It’s very important to me, this. He started to look at our idea of football to understand our method.

"I’ve had conversations with him. I explained what I expect on the pitch and he is an important player, can become an important player for Chelsea in the midfield, in the same way, like Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and the others. I’m pleased to have all the players here."

When asked what the France international will be able to bring to the Chelsea side, Conte suggested it will be actions rather than words.

He added: "N'Golo's a runner. He has great stamina and endurance. He’s in good shape but we want to respect the time in the training session and put him in to play with us in the future.

"I know the people who know N'Golo and they told me he has a fantastic attitude and great energy. Also, he doesn’t speak a lot.

“It is not necessary for him to speak more. If you have two or three who speak during the game I’m very happy.

"I think N'Golo is a bit shy. He’s just arrived at a new club and must find confidence with his team-mates and his manager."

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Conte admitted one of the reasons why he wanted to bring him to Stamford Bridge is because Kante reminded him of how he used to play.

“In my career I had great stamina, was a great runner," he said. "Also I scored some goals. I hope N'Golo can improve in this situation.

"Maybe we are similar, but I know N'Golo can become a fantastic midfielder and he can improve a lot."

Meanwhile, Conte is looking forward to being reunited with former Juventus team-mate Zinedine Zidane, who is now the Real Madrid coach, when Chelsea play them on Saturday.

"Zizou is a good man," he said. "I know him very well and his family. And I am pleased for him and his career.

"We played together at Juventus in midfield. There was me, Didier Deschamps, Edgar Davids and Zidane, a good midfield. It was fantastic for me.

"I remember the genius of the football. Me, Didier and Davids were running for Zizou but for us this was a great joy. We knew when the ball was in his possession anything could happen.”

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