I COULD WIN THE CUP TODAY AND STILL BE SACKED! Conte admits victory over United is unlikely to save him
Antonio Conte admits he could follow last year’s Premier League title with an FA Cup triumph and still be given the sack.
Conte is aware his future at Chelsea is precarious after 12 months of tension behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge and their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Victory against Manchester United today at Wembley is not expected to save the italian from the exit. ‘our job is very difficult,’ said Conte. ‘Sometimes you can win but the club decides to sack you anyway.
‘it is right to separate the two things. otherwise it means in France, italy and Germany there is only one team and one
manager who has worked well. ‘We must divide these two situations and then, there are people to judge your work and it doesn’t depend upon lifting a trophy or winning a league.’ Conte’s dismissal would not be without precedent. Two years ago, United sacked manager Louis van Gaal within hours of winning the FA Cup. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will decide Conte’s future. The 48-year-old has one year left on his contract and expects compensation if he is sacked, as do his eight Italian coaches. Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was twice fired by Abramovich despite success at Stamford Bridge and could become the first manager for nearly 60 years to win the FA Cup with different teams. He has clashed viciously with Conte this season but, on the eve of the final, Mourinho said: ‘I don’t know what Antonio’s situation is. Sometimes I read and listen... but until it’s official I don’t know. I am just curious. ‘If it is his last match or if it isn’t, I don’t think it will change at all his approach to the game and his desire to make it through and his desire to win.’