West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna has commented on his relationship with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
Italy’s Angelo Ogbonna in action with Republic of Ireland’s Shane Long
West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna has told The Mirror that he has a ‘really good relationship’ with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte ahead of Wednesday’s clash between the two clubs.
The Hammers have won their last two Premier League games, claiming 1-0 victories over Crystal Palace and Sunderland to bring something of a feel-good factor to the London Stadium.
Southampton’s Dusan Tadic in action with West Ham United’s Angelo Ogbonna
Confidence is building for Slaven Bilic’s men, but on Wednesday they meet London rivals Chelsea in the EFL Cup, with Antonio Conte’s men in fine form of late.
The Blues have won their last three games 2-0, 3-0 and 4-0 since the turn of the month, racking up goals and keeping clean sheets with Conte’s new 3-4-2-1 system.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Whilst both managers are bound to rotate their sides for this EFL Cup clash, but it promises to be an intriguing affair – and particularly for Angelo Ogbonna.
The West Ham centre back, 28, worked under Conte at Juventus and then with the Italian national team, meaning the duo will have something of a reunion at the London Stadium.
In fact, Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio reported on deadline day that Conte wanted to reunite with Ogbonna at Stamford Bridge, but the Blues ended up re-signing David Luiz instead.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Ahead of Wednesday’s game, Ogbonna has told The Mirror that he has a ‘really good’ relationship with Conte, but will be putting that to the back of his mind as West Ham seek a win against Chelsea.
“I have a really good relationship with Conte, but I have to put it to one side,” said Ogbonna, who won’t be doing his former boss any favours on Wednesday evening.
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