Chelsea FC manager Antonio Conte, has laughed off comments that he was to lose his job at Stamford Bridge, ahead of their lunchtime kick-off with Premier League champions Leicester City.
Nothing in the rumours
It has been a solid start to life for the Italian at Stamford Bridge, after his move from the Italian national team, with the Blues sitting comfortably in seventh, five points behind leaders Manchester City.
However rumours of the former Juventus coach leaving the capital after just three months began to emerge, with several leading bookmakers suspending betting on the 47-year-old been the next Premier League manager out of the exit door.
National newspapers also reported that owner Roman Abramovich held emergency talks with the club directors about the coach, however the club quashed the rumours, and in his pre-match press conference Conte laughed off the claims.
"I'm trying to find who put the money on but it is very difficult!" Conte said. "It is very difficult to talk about this situation because I am focused. I am focused about my work, about improving the team and I have a good communication and relationship with the club. It's nothing. I take this with a smile."
He continued: "We are working very hard to change the situation of the past, and the last season, and we are trying to build something important for the present, for the future, and you can build only through the work and with time."
Great respect
Saturday's clash will see the return of a former Blues manager, with Claudio Ranieri brining his league winning Leicester to Stamford Bridge, the first time since they were given a guard of honour at the end of last season, having proceeded Chelsea as the Premier League winners.
Ranieri and his side have won global praise for their victory, having been 5000/1 outsiders for the title, and Conte has said that he has a lot of respect for the his fellow compatriot.
He said: "He had a great celebration in Italy. He is a good manager, a good man and I have a good relationship with him."
Conte concluded: "I was very happy, not only me, but the Italian people that Claudio won a fantastic title."
Chelsea will take on champions Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 15 with kick-off at 12:30pm BST.