Conte impressed as Chelsea secure comeback win against Watford

The report claims that Holland, who was back at the Bridge to watch the Champions League draw with Roma last week, was the go-between for the squad and Conte prior to leaving for his permanent role with the Three Lions in the summer.

'We are ready to fight for the coach, ' Belgium goalkeeper Courtois told the Evening Standard.

Mourinho was sacked with Chelsea just one point above the relegation zone in December, despite lifting the Premier League trophy just a few months before-with many drawing comparisons to Conte's situation now.

"I'm very happy, mostly for the three points in a hard moment, and now we must focus on the next game". I remember what happened two years ago under Jose Mourinho and things started to be said, there were stories about the dressing room without knowing what was happening. We all know what would have happened [more debate over Conte's future] if we had lost against Watford.

Goals by Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra had put the visitors 2-1 ahead, cancelling Pedro's 12th-minute opener, before Mitchy Batshuayi headed an equaliser for Chelsea midway through the second half.

But Chelsea has shown spirit, coming from behind against Watford to win on Saturday and climb back into the top four. Sometimes different things happened.

"We are showing we want to fight again now, firstly as a group of players", said Courtois. We want to win games'. We want to fight for ourselves, too. "Today, the impact was incredible, important, and we must continue this way".

As things stand, Chelsea sit in fourth place in the Premier League table and already have nine points to make up on leaders Manchester City.

Conte's intense sessions were easier to handle last season, when Chelsea had no European football to contend with, but this year they are taking their toll.