Conte’s future hanging by a thread
Germany’s owner rules challenged
LONDON — Antonio Conte won’t be fired as Chelsea manager any time soon, after being granted a stay of execution by owner Roman Abramovich on Tuesday.
Conte’s future with the stuttering Premier League champions was cast into doubt on Monday after a dismal 4-1 loss at Watford.
Fourth-place Chelsea is languishing 19 points behind leader Manchester City after a turbulent campaign marred by Conte’s squabble with the club’s hierarchy over their transfer policy.
The Blues’ Russian owner Abramovich has never been shy about wielding the axe when his managers underperform and it was suggested the debacle at Vicarage Road, coming hot on the heels of a home loss to Bournemouth, could prompt Conte’s dismissal.
But widespread reports in the British media on Tuesday claimed former Juventus and Italy manager Conte is now expected to remain in charge for Monday’s game against West Bromwich Albion.
While there were meetings between various Chelsea board members on Tuesday, it is understood Conte’s future was not on the agenda.
Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is among the big names that have been linked with the Chelsea job, but Conte is said to be refusing to contemplate resigning after less than two years in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian is believed to have irritated his squad with his demanding training schedule and intense personality.
Conte has given Chelsea’s players three days off to recover after the Watford defeat.
Having publicly complained about Chelsea’s failure to land his top transfer targets this season, Conte risked angering Abramovich last week when he questioned why the club hadn’t given him a vote of confidence amid speculation over his future.
Chelsea backed its manager, who still has 18 months of his contract to run, during the January transfer window by bringing in defender Emerson Palmieri from Roma and France forward Olivier Giroud from Arsenal.
Still, Conte publicly stated his unhappiness over the lack of business during the summer.
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Gary Cahill said the squad needs to be held accountable for the performance against Watford.
“Whatever is decided, the players have to take responsibility. The manager has done an absolutely unbelievable job,” Cahill told the London Evening Standard.
“This is the worst I’ve felt for quite a while. Performance-wise, I didn’t recognize us or myself.
“It was abysmal. It hurts a lot when you come off after a performance like that.
“We just need to keep strong. I’ve been here before at this club — it’s about staying calm.”
Hannover chairman Martin Kind has added to the growing calls to end Germany’s “50+1” rule, which prevents investors taking control of Bundesliga clubs.
Each team in the top two tiers must retain a majority of voting shares, which allows club members to veto decisions by outside investors.
However, some Bundesliga clubs want the rule abolished to encourage investment — which could help break Bayern Munich’s monopoly of the German game. The Bavarians are 18 points clear in their quest for a sixth straight league title.
“We have to make changes together in the Bundesliga and not leave that to courts — we have to strengthen the direct responsibility of the clubs,” Kindsaid on Tuesday.