Former technical director of Chelsea Michael Emenalo spoke about Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and coach Antonio Conte in an interview with Irish newspaper the Independent earlier today.
First, he spoke about how the Blues wasted the opportunity to grow young talents, like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
“De Bruyne was 18, a super talent, but the first time I mentioned that he can eventually replace Lampard there was a guffaw of laughter. Lukaku was the same. He’s 18 and I said you have to put five years into him.”
He revealed that owner Roman Abramovich wasn’t happy to lose either of the Belgian stars.
“It was more painful for the owner. He suffered. But he saw that everything we had discussed was true.”
The former Chelsea technical director revealed what advice he gave to coach Antonio Conte when the Italian took charge of the London club in 2016.
“If you succeed at Chelsea you will be the most loved coach in the world. But it’s a lot of pressure. It can be exhilarating, but it can be absolutely painful. I’ve seen grown men in tears. But if you do it, and I think you will, you’ll be loved the way you’ve never been.’ I’m not sure he believed me.”
Finally, Emenalo highlighted how Conte managed to turn around his fate at Chelsea, despite the negative press and pressure after losing to Liverpool and Arsenal early in his first campaign.
“After he lost to Liverpool and Arsenal there was unnecessary pressure. Everywhere he looked he’s getting sacked. But we’d only played five games and won the first three. His presentation to the players after we had lost 3-0 to Arsenal was fantastic.
“The way he detailed the reasons why we lost, and what he planned to do, was unbelievable. I told the owner: ‘Conte’s work is good. This is a blip. Trust me.’ Of course, we went on to win the title and there was so much adulation for Conte.”
Inter are currently third in the league table after 33 games, sitting six points behind rivals and league leaders Juventus. A win against Roma tonight is crucial for the Nerazzurri, as they have the chance to close the gap to the Bianconeri to within three points, should the Turin based club lose to Lazio tomorrow.
