THREE LIONS TAMER

ANTONIO CONTE said this week winning the FA Cup won’t save his job. What a statement. It’s hardly the motivational speech for today’s quarter-final, is it? Even if he’s probably right. I remember going to Tranmere in the quarterfinal in 2001 and Gerard Houllier made it out to be the biggest game in the club’s history.

Put it this way, we were certainly motivated.

I guess it really exposes what is going on at Chelsea. I don’t think anyone believes Conte will be there next season – and he, obviously, realises that.

If he’s fallen out with Eden Hazard, as has been suggested, then that’s the final nail. It’s a shame for Chelsea. With his Premier League win last season, I thought Conte could buck the trend of their managers and stick around for a while, build a competitive squad that could be a force.

He’s had too many battles, though. With his players, the board, with everyone, really. It seems uncannily like the Jose Mourinho exit.

If it was me, though, I’d want to go out with a trophy – it’s a big deal no matter what Conte says.

there were loads of senior players rested to accommodate that, then it would be fair enough. Yet I don’t think anyone has been left out – Kane apart – who would make a massive difference. You look in the squad, and one thing stands out. Joe Hart,...

OH NO, NOT YOU AGAIN! Klopp and Guardiola will not have wanted to meet each other so soon in the top tournament