Chelsea vs. West Ham: Antonio Conte's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Quotes

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte addressed the media for the first time this season on Friday, and transfers remained the primary topic of discussion ahead of the Blues' 2016-17 Premier League opener at home to West Ham United on Monday.

The former Italy and Juventus manager dubbed the transfer market "crazy" just days after Manchester United completed a world-record deal to re-sign Paul Pogba, per Chelsea's official Twitter account:

Conte was generally high-spirited throughout Friday's press conference, but even his smile looked tested on several occasions as questions persisted down the route of questions regarding transfers both in and out of the club.

ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney provided quotes from the new head coach, who appeared to consider revealing some details about his transfer plans before keeping his cards close to his chest:

Chelsea are coming off the back of a dismal 2015-16 campaign, during which Jose Mourinho was axed from the club's helm before Guus Hiddink took charge of the club for the latter half of the season.

The west London giants ultimately finished 10th in the Premier League, but Conte noted it's important to use that disappointment as a strength, rather than a weakness, per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey:

After winning the Premier League in 2014-15 before seeing Leicester City surprise England's giants last season, the Italian also noted expectations are high for the entire division:

West Ham will provide a stern test for the Blues on Monday, and Conte insisted he's "not very relaxed" ahead of his Premier League debut, noting this will be his first time managing "in a new league, a new country," per Twomey.

When quizzed on whether the club would be completing any more signings before the transfer window slams shut on August 31, Conte was ambiguous in his response, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

The Blues have already added several major signings to their ranks, spending more than £60 million on the acquisitions of midfielder N'Golo Kante and striker Michy Batshuayi.

Conte has always opted to play three central defenders throughout his managerial career, and he did go on to hint that may well be the case in west London when the time is right:

In terms of what to expect on Monday, Conte made sure to highlight the significance of a London derby for his first match in the division, fully appreciative of the morale-boosting effect a win would have.

The Italian also said players in Italy don't play music in the dressing room before the match, which is a new experience for him, but if were up to him, "discotheque" or "boom boom" music would be his genre of choice, per Twomey.

Speculation has swirled around the future of midfielder Nemanja Matic this summer, but Conte suggested the Serbia international will remain in west London, while Bertrand Traore has joined Ajax on loan, per Delaney.

Chelsea lost away at West Ham last season before drawing 2-2 in the reverse fixture, meaning Conte will have his opportunity to reassure fans things are changing for the better at Stamford Bridge this Monday.