Antonio Conte confirms Terry, Mikel injury news, repeated Abramovich talks

Antonio Conte and Chelsea started the season in red hot form, getting four wins in of our first four games, but since the draw against Swansea City, the Blues seem to have lost their footing.  Defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal followed, sandwiching an extra-time win against Leicester City in the League Cup.

Next up are Hull City, a tie that looks easy on paper. But nothing's ever easy in the Premier League, especially when you're struggling and don't have a magic easy button to push to suddenly make all your problems go away.

"In these two games, we saw and we learned a lot of important things that we must work hard on to recover. With great and hard work we are trying to solve the situation."

"But it's important to understand also that we haven't a magic wand to change the situation to change it in two, three or four months. We can feel the gap that we now have. We faced two very strong teams and, for me, they are now on the top. We have a lot to improve."

"Don't forget the past. It's very clear, we finished 10th place last season and when that happens, it means you have problems."

-Antonio Conte; Source: London Evening Standard

Unfortunately, Conte won't be able to call on John Terry after confirming reports that the Captain suffered a setback in his recovery from a strained ankle. Mikel John Obi will be unavailable as well, though he has yet to feature at all this season.

"[John Terry] isn't available because he [hasn't] recovered from his injury of his ankle. I think we can see him after the international break."

"We are also without [John Obi] Mikel because of a small problem. The others, we have all the players available."

-Antonio Conte; Source: FourFourTwo

In the past few days, we've heard plenty of stories regarding Roman Abramovich visiting Cobham multiple times, watching training, having lunch with Conte, and making plans for the future.  The owner is supposedly giving his full backing to the head coach for an eventual squad overhaul, but Conte reminded that our first priority has to be getting results this season.  Abramovich is not a man blessed with infinite patience, though he did give Mourinho Mk.II a rather long leash.  Perhaps by building a good personal relationship, he will afford the same patience to Conte.

"I think good communication is important always, with all the people to be very clear on all aspect. It is important this, to be very clear with our players, your staff and the owner."

"Mr Abramovich has a great passion for football. To talk with him about football is very interesting, to explain about my idea of football."

"To have a [conversation] is very interesting, this situation – I like this. In every situation, if you are very clear it is okay, always."

-Antonio Conte; Source: FourFourTwo

We are three months away from the winter transfer window and nine months away from the summer transfer window.  For now, we're stuck with what we have.  Conte will need full support across the board and across the stands to make things work until then.