Contecallson Abramovichto say‘Itrustyou’
ANTONIO CONTE wants a public vote of confidence from Roman Abramovich to end the constant uncertainty over his position.
And the Chelsea head coach, who has waged a war of words against the club’s transfer policy, claimed he would be willing to talk about a contract extension in the summer.
Conte takes the defending champions to Watford tonight with pressure mounting after last week’s home humiliation to Bournemouth.
The Blues have won only one Premier League game in four and are out of the Carabao Cup.
Abramovich, who has been in London this week, has sacked five coaches in mid-season. Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri is the latest to be linked with the job this weekend.
Conte said: “I must be honest, when there are these type of rumours or speculation after the first game of the season against Burnley.
“Maybe I’d like the club to prepare a statement for me to say they trust me in my work and my job.
“But at the same time I know this never happened in the past so why should I hope for something different?
“But for sure I’d like to have a statement of support against this speculation. The challenge is that, in the past, this never happened.
“So it’s a big challenge to change the approach now. But for sure I’d be glad. You only have one person to speak to (to make this happen).”
The only time the Stamford Bridge club issued public backing for a manager was in October 2015 – and Jose Mourinho was sacked two months later. The Portuguese had signed a new four-year contract in August after winning the title.
Conte agreed improved terms after his title win but did not extend the terms of his deal beyond 2019.
The former Juventus boss claimed he did not want to be “opportunistic” by demanding an extension now but added: “We are doing the maximum for this club. If the club understands this and the club wants to extend a new contract, we can talk. Why not? My desire and my will are to continue to work with this club.”
Conte has seen Man City spend more on Aymeric Laporte than the three players Chelsea signed in January.
“If you compare it to the past, the situation has totally changed,” he said.
“You have to understand that only through a great work, a big work, can you go and try to be closer to these teams who maybe don’t have this type of financial problems. I think a club like Chelsea must have more patience than other teams.
“To try to work together with the players and understand you need patience. Last season we did something incredible. This season is showing this.”
Ross Barkley is a doubt after picking up a hamstring injury in training – the eighth hamstring victim of the season – but Willian, David Luiz and new signing Olivier Giroud are added to the squad.