Chelsea players got their first taste of Antonio Conte’s leadership methods at Cobham this morning.
The Italian finally took control of his new team for the first time in Surrey today after being confirmed as head coach back in April.
Conte has been on a short holiday after managing his country at this summer’s European Championships in France but flew into Gatwick yesterday evening.
He was driven into the club’s training base early this morning in a black 4x4 vehicle as photographers waited for him outside the facility.
The 46-year-old wasted no time in getting changed into his new tracksuit and was waiting on the training pitch as his players trotted out for duty.
Conte visited Cobham in the final weeks of last season to introduce himself to the squad and they got re-acquainted briefly as he greeted them before getting started.
John Terry, John Obi Mikel, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Oscar, Victor Moses and Loic Remy were just a few of the senior players involved.
Sources claim Conte has warned the squad they are facing the toughest pre season of their careers as he looks to restore them to the pinnacle of English football.
Under Jose Mourinho and then Guus Hiddink, Chelsea endured their worst ever year under Roman Abramovich’s rule as they went from champions to relegation battlers.
Watch: Chelsea's John Terry going through intense preparation for new season
Conte is said to be focusing his efforts on initially building up his new team’s endurance through draining running drills.
This morning’s session began with a warm-up and light jog before being split into two groups to work on their passing skills.
Possession-based exercises followed and Conte, who was vocal and passionate throughout the session, then turned his attention to patterns of play.
His tactical nous was showcased by Italy’s highly-organised approach at the European Championships and this will form the second stage of the 46-year-old’s programme.
Punishing double sessions have been planned and tactical tuition is on the agenda in the afternoons as Conte instills discipline to the Blues squad.
Meanwhile, training was being carried out amid a backdrop of transfer activity at the Stamford Bridge club with reports circulating in France that Chelsea have agreed a £29million fee with Leicester City for midfielder N'Golo Kante.
Conte is due to meet with the media at Stamford Bridge for his official unveiling in west London on Thursday.
