Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s future has been the subject of intense speculation over recent weeks, and the Italian coach has now called on the Stamford Bridge club’s board to issue a statement backing him publicly in order to put an end to rumours that he is about to be sacked.
The Blues have been in poor form so far in 2018, and slipped to fourth in the table after their dismal 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last week. Conte’s side travel across London to face Watford tonight, and when quizzed in regards to rumours that he may be sacked if his side lose at Vicarage Road the Italian said:
“I’d like to have a statement to support against this speculation,”
“Maybe I’d like that the club prepare a statement to tell the media, ‘I trust in his job, I trust in his work’.”
“I’m giving all of myself for this club,”
“I think that we are doing the maximum for this club and if the club understands this and the club wants to extend a new contract then we can talk, why not?”
Conte had a superb first season in English football, winning the Premier League and reaching the FA Cup final. However, his relationship with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy has become strained over the last couple of windows, and rumours are rife that the club are ready to replace him former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique.
The former Juventus coach currently has 18 months left on his contract with the Blues, having turned down the opportunity to extend that deal last summer.