Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has risked the wrath of Roman Abramovic by suggesting that his side will struggle to qualify for next seasons Champions League.
The Blues are currently in fourth after they were at the wrong side of a 3-0 scoreline at the hands of struggling Bournemouth on Wednesday, having being forced to start the game with no recognised striker following the dealings of transfer deadline day.
Speaking after the game, Conte didn’t mince his words, saying that his side in a ‘struggle for a position in the Champions League’, despite having won last season’s title at a canter.
The Italian said:
“Yeah, we must be worried, it is normal [to be].
“It won’t be easy for this season and we have to fight and be ready.
“I am ready and I think the players are starting to understand that this season we have to struggle for a position in the Champions League.
“I think the player until now are very very top for the commitment and behaviours. If they don’t then our table would be worse.
“If we want to only to dream then we can fight to win the title.
“It is very important to look at the reality and know that if we can win a place in the Champions League it will be a great success for us. Otherwise it will be a normal season.”
Conte has made it quite clearly known that he isn’t not happy with the clubs not transfer business in either of the last two transfer windows, s well as saying that he is homesick. He has been linked with a return to Italy, while PSG are also keen on taking him across the Channel.
The news will be a boost for the fellow five challengers who are all battling for the three remaining Champions League slots, with Manchester United’s defeat at the hands of Spurs meaning there are just five points between second and fifth position.
Is Conte trying to wind Abramovic up so much that he gets sacked and gets a big pay off? Who knows, but all is certainly not well in West London.