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Giorgio Chiellini reveals how punishing Antonio Conte’s training sessions really are

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Antonio Conte lieutenant reveals how punishing Chelsea manager's training sessions are — The veteran centre-back has lifted the lid on his old manager’s grueling sessions (Getty)

Antonio Conte’s former charge Giorgio Chiellini has revealed exactly how demanding the under-pressure Chelsea manager’s training sessions really are.

The centre-back enjoyed great success under Conte with both Juventus and Italy, though the demanding Chelsea coach’s regime has come under increasing scrutiny as the Blues’ form has deteriorated – with the club even looking to replace him.

Conte’s intensive sessions have been blamed for a fatigue and muscle injuries within the Chelsea squad, and Juve defender Chiellini admits training under his compatriot is utterly punishing.

Antonio Conte keeps his head down as he observes training — Chelsea’s season has been hampered by a number of injuries suffered to key players (Getty)

The Italian, who takes on Spurs in the Champions League, told the Daily Mail: ‘It is not only in the match with Conte. It is all day, every training session.

‘He is like a police sergeant. We felt something very special in his atmosphere, for three years with him at Juventus and two years in the national team.’

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‘When you finish training, you are dead. Not tired — dead. You can do it only because you believe in what he does.

‘We had 40 days in France and it was like entering another world. You are 100% with him. He creates an atmosphere, everyone gives energy to each other. For sure he is one of the very best.’

Despite Chiellini’s praise for Conte, the Chelsea boss has struggled to galvanise his squad in recent weeks, losing back-to-back Premier League matches against Bournemouth and Watford.

The west London club are believed to be drawing up a list of replacements that is headed up by former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, though will wait until after the Champions League last 16 to pull the trigger.