Chelsea wait on Enrique

sporting director. Chelsea began drawing up a list of candidates to replace Conte over a month ago and see Enrique as the ideal man, although ex-boss Carlo Ancelotti is also believed to have been in the frame.

At least one source close to former Spain star Enrique claims the 47-year-old has already agreed terms to take over at Stamford Bridge.

He rejected the chance to take charge at Sevilla recently, insisting he did not want to take up a new job until the summer.

And his stance has not changed, so Chelsea face a battle to convince him to cut short his gap year rather than wait until the end of the season to come.

Alarmed

Chelsea insist no talks were held yesterday at board level about Conte’s future, with his players not back in training until Friday after he gave them three days off before Monday’s home clash with bottom club West Brom.

But their hammering at Vicarage Road alarmed club insiders and some fear the 48-year-old has already lost the dressing room.

Few expect Conte, whose contract runs out in the summer of 2019, to see out the season.

Skipper Gary Cahill yesterday backed his boss and said the players needed to “look in the mirror”, with the Watford defeat following a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth.

He said: “Whatever is decided, the players have to take responsibility. The manager has done an absolutely unbelievable job.

“This is the worst I’ve felt for quite a while. Performance-wise I didn’t recognise us or myself. It was abysmal.

“We just need to keep strong. I’ve been here before at this club – it’s about staying calm.”