EMENALO BIG LOSS

ANTONIO CONTE admits the departure of Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo in November was a major blow. Former Notts County and Nigeria player Emenalo, now sporting director at Monaco, was the link, and often a buffer, between boss Conte (left) and the Blues board. Asked if losing Emenalo made his job more difficult, the Italian said: “Yes, yes. To lose Michael, it was a big loss for us, I think so. Michael did a great job for this club for many years. “Last season he helped me a lot during the season. This season, until he left, he helped me a lot. “For me, for sure, it was a big loss in November.”