Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte yesterday expressed regret at Steve Holland’s decision to leave but understands his wish to be England assistant boss.

Holland was appointed assistant to England manager Gareth Southgate on Wednesday.

He will continue to work at Chelsea until the end of the season and then leave Stamford Bridge.

The 46-year-old has been at Chelsea since 2009 and a constant in the coaching set-up despite the managerial turn-over.

“It’s a pity to lose him,” former Italy coach Conte said.

“But also I can understand him for this choice because this type of situation can arrive only once in [your] life, to be a coach or assistant coach of your national team or your country.

“He’s helped me a lot in my experience at Chelsea because he has great experience with this club.”

Conte declined to say whether Holland would be replaced, preferring to focus on the task at hand with Chelsea six points clear at the top of the league, as well as attempting to win their 12th game on the bounce, ahead of Monday’s Boxing Day clash with Bournemouth.