Conte feeling Blue
Manager’s future in doubt as he faces four major issues
LONDON: Antonio Conte’s Chelsea future is in doubt with Diego Costa one of four issues driving a potential wedge between the Italian and the club.
Conte is refusing to back down from his decision to dump Costa by text – despite efforts by the Blues’ hierarchy to patch up their row.
But Costa’s future is not the only problem putting Conte’s relationship with the club under strain.
His biggest gripe is over what he sees as the club’s unambitious transfer plans for the summer ahead of a Champions League campaign.
The former Juventus boss is said to be unimpressed by a perceived lack of backing for his preferred transfers last summer and in January.
Conte was desperate to land Juve’s Brazilian wing-back Alex Sandro but the move was blocked, while another target, Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata, seems set for Manchester United.
With not a single signing in the bag since winning the Premier League on May 12, it is no surprise Conte is hardly rushing to sign a new contract and is growing increasingly frustrated.
As the world’s most sought-after coach, the astute Italian knows now is when he can exert most pressure on everyone to get what he wants.
That is a squad capable of retaining the title and winning the Champions League, plus pay parity with the likes of £12mil-a-year (RM65mil) Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, who he embarrassed last season.
The transfer window has been open for only a week but already Conte feels Chelsea are lagging behind their rivals.
Conte is also unhappy with some aspects of his backroom staff following the departure of Steve Holland to join the England set-up full-time.
He valued Holland’s knowledge of English football and fears the rest of his staff will be unable to give him the same insight.
The final issue is the club’s wish for Conte to take a more active role in overseeing the progress of Chelsea’s Academy.
He was approached on that subject last summer but insisted on appointing his own man to take charge of the youngsters.
Chelsea, though, wanted to stick with Neil Bath.
The Italian will again demand 100% control of the staffing of the Academy or make it clear that he is not interested in having any involvement. — The Sun, London