---
title: "Conte always had managerial qualities says Carlo Ancelotti"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/01/09/conte-always-managerial-qualities-says-carlo-ancelotti/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Oliver Birch"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-01-09T12:17:36Z"
modified: "2017-01-09T12:17:36Z"
---

# Conte always had managerial qualities says Carlo Ancelotti

Former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Antonio Conte always had the potential to be a successful manager due to his “tactical” style of playing, the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/carlo-ancelotti-i-could-see-chelseas-antonio-conte-was-management-material-when-he-was-a-player-a3435851.html) reports.

Conte captained Ancelotti’s Juventus side during his tenure at the club from 1999 to 2001 when the current Bayern Munich boss recognised the Italian’s managerial qualities.

Speaking to ESPN FC, Ancelotti said:

> I think that Conte had this kind of \[managerial\] quality, also for his style of play. He was a really tactical player. He was intelligent on the pitch, really focused. He was captain of Juventus at the time. I thought he could be a good manager.

![Paolo Bruno/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/461773924.jpg)

After a relatively shaky start to life at Stamford Bridge, Conte has taken Chelsea to a different level since taking over in the summer.

The Italian guided the Blues to a club record, and joint-league record, of 13 consecutive victories, leaving his side five points clear at the top of the table.

Conte would replicate his former boss’ record at Chelsea should he win the Premier League title in his first season with the club, as Ancelotti’s side did in 2009/10.

And the former Chelsea boss believes the Blues’ recent run of form has been aided by the lack of midweek European football, giving Conte more time to prepare for each fixture.

![Ian Walton/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/630717746-1.jpg)

Speaking about whether he believes a lighter fixture list has helped the Blues this season, Ancelotti said:

> I think it’s not a coincidence; the fact that the first teams in the Premier League now – Liverpool and Chelsea – didn’t have international games in the first part of the season is really important. It’s the same in Germany. \[RB\] Leipzig, Hoffenheim, Hertha Berlin; teams that don’t have international games are better prepared in this period. When you have one week to prepare a game, it’s really better.