The Chelsea staff who attended the club’s Christmas party last Thursday night anticipated the normal video message from the manager thanking them for their efforts and wishing them the best for the New Year.

But the receptionists, door attendants, security staff and workers at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea’s Cobham training ground instead got a surprise audience with the man who cannot stop winning.

Antonio Conte had in fact filmed the traditional video message, but decided he should be at the staff party himself. The Italian gave a speech in which he thanked everybody for their hard work and told them they are all part of what he is trying to achieve. In total, he stayed for around two hours.

The last Chelsea manager to attend the staff party in person was Carlo Ancelotti, who is still affectionately remembered by his former colleagues – which cannot be said for all of the club’s old managers.

Less than 48 hours after Conte had joined in the festive spirit, his Chelsea team equaled a club record by recording their 11th successive Premier League victory with yet another performance that underlined the 47-year-old’s incredible impact.