Is Antonio Conte the most liked manager in recent Chelsea history?

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has rejuvenated the blues after producing an incredible 13 wins in a row so far, and he has also been keeping the staff, players and fans happy as well.

Oliver Holt from the Daily Mail stated that Conte personally gave every staff member at Chelsea a bottle of Barolo or Prosecco as a Christmas present. The present included a hand-written note quoting historical military commander Hannibal  ‘we will either find a way, or we will make one’.

Furthermore, Conte made a surprise appearance at Chelsea’s Christmas staff party and gave a speech thanking the staff members. Previous Chelsea managers usually recorded a video message for the staff but Conte showed up and stayed for two hours chatting to the unheralded staff members such as caterers, security and receptionists.

The self-described ‘tailor’ of Chelsea has also managed to turn the mood around among players. The stark contrast in the current mood compared to last season is palpable. Last season, fans labeled the players ‘rats’ and former manager Jose Mourinho claimed the team betrayed him.

Reports from The Telegraph state that Conte has broken-up the cliques within the dressing room to promote unity and togetherness.  He has repeatedly said that Chelsea ‘must work hard’ and has installed the ‘win together lose together’ mentality.

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Diego Costa, who has scored 14 goals in 18 games, said in a recent interview that he views Conte as ‘not just a boss’.

“The manager is good with the players, every time making more jokes with us. It’s good for us to have a manager who is not just a boss but like a person we can talk with, someone whose support we can count on in difficult moments.

Costa added “he is calm with the players and you can see the people love him more all the time”.

Even Cesc Fabregas, who has had to fight for his place in the first team seems happy. He often posts on social media that he’s committed to the team.

While Chelsea Captain John Terry has also been a peripheral figure, only making seven appearances in all competitions.  But he has supported Conte’s decision. He regularly posts on Instagram congratulating his team-mates after games, despite not playing. Such is Terry’s influence, that Conte mentioned him in a recent interview.

“I want to mention John Terry, because John is very important for us, even when he’s not playing,” Conte said.

“He helps us a lot in the changing room and in the training sessions.

“I want to say thanks to him as well because his support is very important.”

It has been refreshing for Chelsea fans to see how happy the players are. They show this in games, in the dressing room, on social media and in interviews. Eden Hazard has been laughing and dancing, even, on the pitch and off it.

Chelsea fans have also been lucky to see a rare smile from Diego Costa as he seemed jovial in the game against Stoke. His turn in form and mood has reflected on his recent disciplinary record. He managed to play ten games without getting a yellow card.

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It is clear to see from the on-field performances and the mood from the dressing room that Antonio Conte has rejuvenated Chelsea. The fans have also responded by chanting his name at recent matches.  The staff and fans-alike have taken to Conte’s wild and frantic passion he displays every week.

It is hard not to love him, even for neutrals that see him every week running up the sidelines. The charismatic Italian kicks every ball with his players. Running up to the Chelsea fans in the stands and jumping around in ecstatic jubilation. He is the conductor of the Stamford Bridge orchestra.

There have been other managers in recent history that the fans have loved. Such as Jose Mourinho whom won the Premier League with Chelsea three times. And, the beloved Roberto Di Matteo who won Chelsea’s first Champions League trophy.

But if Antonio Conte keeps the players and the staff happy, he could become one of the most well-loved managers in Chelsea’s history.