Michy Batshuayi has slammed Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte for signing him under false pretences.
After an impressive spell at Marseille, where he earned comparisons to Blues legend Didier Drogba, the striker moved to Stamford Bridge in a £35 million deal in 2016.
However, over a six-year period, Batshuayi struggled to establish himself as a regular in Chelsea’s starting XI, scoring 25 goals in 77 games across all competitions.
Instead, he spent the majority of his time on loan with Dortmund, Valencia, Crystal Palace, and Besiktas.
The 28-year-old finally left Chelsea this summer, joining Turkish club Fenerbahce, and has now spoken out about his time in west London
He told Sport Magazine:
“Conte was constantly contradicting himself. To start with my arrival. He called me and explained his project. He wanted me to play in a two-man frontline alongside Diego Costa. Did I believe that? Of course, because Conte has played with two attackers all his career. Except at Chelsea with me. I do not understand. The truth is that I have been fooled far too often.”
Conte has used a 3-5-2 formation for much of his career, but at Chelsea he preferred a 3-4-3, with Costa supported by wingers Eden Hazard and Willian during the title-winning season.
So, while Batshuayi might have some resentment toward the Spurs manager, it’s difficult to argue that the team as a whole didn’t benefit from the Italian manager’s overall strategy.
The truth is that Conte is a world-class coach who has been successful at nearly every club he has managed. This is his first full season with Tottenham, and there’s a good chance he’ll steer the Lilywhites in the right direction as well.