AXE ME IF YOU WANT
Conte fears it’s over after Chelsea stinker
ANTONIO CONTe told the Chelsea board last night: sack me if you want.
His side were subjected to an embarrassing 4-1 thumping by Watford — five days after losing 3-0 at home to Bournemouth — to leave the Italian hurtling towards the exit door.
But the manager insisted he does not fear the axe and even challenged the club to get rid of him if they believe he is not good enough. He said: ‘I’m not worried about my job. I work every day and I give 120 per cent. If this is enough, it’s OK. Otherwise, the club can take a different decision.
‘But I’m not worried. Tomorrow is a another day. I can be the Chelesa coach or not. What is the problem? My soul is clear. I go to sleep without a
problem that maybe I could do this or that. I try to do everything. If it’s not good, the club can make a different decision. Life goes on.’ Conte questioned whether his players had big enough personalities perso to play for the club. club He said: ‘To play in a great gr club, it means you must have a personality because it’s simple to play when there t is the confidence. ‘Especially in this type of moment. You can see who is ready to play with personality and also to risk r something.’ Conte C is certain to depart his role rol before the start of next season. seas The Italian, privately, is resigned resign to his fate despite recent comments suggesting he would be open to extending his deal. Last week, the club’s hierarchy were minded to make the inevitable change at the end of season — even after the humiliating loss to Bournemouth. With Chelsea still in the race for the top four and in the FA Cup and Champions League, the board felt Conte should carry on. But last night’s humiliating result leaves owner Roman Abramovich with a big decision to make ahead of Monday’s clash with West Bromwich Albion.
Sportsmail understands there are growing fears from within the club’s hierarchy that Conte has lost the dressing room and the impact that would have on their attempts to secure Champions League qualification next season. The manner of the loss to Watford would only have served to have strengthened those concerns. Indeed, players are convinced Conte will not be at the club next season, while some will not be upset to see the Italian go. Members of the squad have grown tired of Conte’s ‘bad moods’ at the training ground. They have complained of monotonous sessions and there is a feeling that the schedule has not been scaled back enough given they are in the Champions League. On suggestions he is losing the dressing room, Conte said: ‘Do you think that a club can decide to sack a coach if there is not the support of the players? You think that the players have this power? Yes? This is wrong. This is wrong. If this happens, OK.’