Antonio Conte refuses to live in fear of the infamous Chelsea axe despite Roman Abramovich’s long history of sackings

ANTONIO CONTE is refusing to live in fear of the Chelsea axe.

Billionaire Blues owner Roman Abramovich has sacked EIGHT bosses during his 13-year reign.

But Conte, on only his second day of Chelsea training, insisted he was not worried by the Russian’s itchy trigger finger.

Conte said: “I am not afraid if the club sack me.

“The most important thing now is to work, to give an identity to my team and to transfer my idea of football passion and work to my players and the fans. It’s important for me to show good management — especially when you have a great team with great personality and great players.

“That’s the most important thing to me — not to think, if I win I stay, if I don’t win I don’t stay.

“It’s now important to transfer some principles that have been important in my life, my career.”

The former Italy chief also confirmed John Terry, 35, will remain as Chelsea captain — whether he plays or not.

Veteran defender Terry almost left before signing a one-year extension in May and Conte said: “He is a captain of this team.  He is a great player with a great personality, with great charisma.

“I like to speak with him because I know that he knows the club, the right spirit to play in this club.”