Pierre: "You feel the intensity, the hunger to win"

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has spoken about the motivational qualities of Antonio Conte's coaching.

Appointed Head Coach last week, Antonio has made quite an impression on the Danish midfielder in the few training sessions he's had with the squad. In that time, he also had to prepare for matches against Vitesse and Everton. Now it's the calm after the initial storm with a number of players away on international duty and the next game against Leeds in the Premier League not until 21 November. We then have 13 matches between 21 November and New Year's Day!

What had Antonio's message been to the players? "That work has to be done," said Pierre. "Improvement has to happen. But still, he's trying also to give his point of view in terms of how he wants us to play and how he is trying to manage us tactically.

"These are, again, very concrete, very well organised, very well analysed. So, for a player to get this kind of information and this kind of coaching is very motivating. You know, if you have the right attitude and will to work, you will only improve under a great manager like this.

"You feel the intensity, you feel the hunger, you feel the will to sacrifice everything to try and win. That's something - and, again, I speak for myself as a player - it’s very refreshing, it’s very motivating. Like I said, if you have the right attitude, the right will to improve, you will improve a lot and make some great steps.

"In the end, there's a clear objective for the team, and this is just fantastic to be able to be a part of. I can only try and listen to what he has to say. It's a pleasure and a great honour to be able to learn under him and his coaching staff. It is intense, it is demanding and this is what I like."