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Chelsea: Antonio Conte is leaving Stamford Bridge – Replacements lined up

By John-Patrick Quinn

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Antonio Conte of Chelsea gives out instructions to his players during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Antonio Conte of Chelsea gives out instructions to his players during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte is expected to leave the club in the next 24 hours, leaving an attractive prospect for his prospective replacements.

Despite surprise from his fellow teammates, countrymen and former Chelsea greats, notably Gianluca Vialli and Gianfranco Zola, Antonio Conte leaving Stamford Bridge appears to be all but official.

It’s been rumoured for the majority of the season. Whilst it might have surprised some, many, (including myself) have expected this to happen. Chelsea aren’t really the club for lasting legacies like Ferguson and Wenger. Roman Abramovich has ruled with an iron fist, demanding success season upon season.

The only surprise is that…well, Conte has delivered success.

Since taking the helm, Conte has won the Premier League in his first season in charge of the club and the FA Cup in his second. Only two other managers before him have won the Premier League in their first season. Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti. That’s right, both at Chelsea. It isn’t enough at Chelsea to win. You have to continuously deliver the biggest titles, or Roman throws you to the lions.

So why is Conte leaving?

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It isn’t just about delivering success at Chelsea. You have to stand up to a board who want the club run in their way, but you also have to pick your fights. All too often for the Chelsea board’s liking, Conte took his complaints about transfer policies to the media.

Conte also alienated a large portion of the senior playing staff. As well as his infamous text to Diego Costa, there are murmurs that the future of both Willian and Hazard at Chelsea, depend on Conte leaving the club. With the board so involved in the transfer policy, it wouldn’t be surprising if the needs of the players are placed above the manager’s.

If rifts with the players and the board weren’t enough, many of Chelsea fans have lost respect over Conte’s conduct. In contrast to his usual passionate, spirited sideline antics, we have seen a surly, sulky Conte this season. Of course, it doesn’t help that fans won’t be treated to Champions League next season either. Chelsea finished a disappointing fifth place. 

Who would replace Conte at Stamford Bridge?

Maurizio Sarri

With Italian Conte leaving, favourite to replace him at Stamford Bridge is another Italian, Maurizio Sarri, the Napoli manager. Sarri has had a good spell at Napoli, with giants Juventus preventing him from having more silverware to his legacy. Sarri says he must speak with his family before any move. He also expressed doubts he could move to another Italian side immediately after Napoli.

However likely this looks, big deals are never too big to fail. Another option is Luis Enrique, especially after his rumoured move to Arsenal never came to fruition. Enrique had success at Barcelona, though whether or not that was because he was managing some of the best players in the world, remains to be seen. His record elsewhere hasn’t been as positive as his tenure at Camp Nou.

Next: The Gunners find Wenger successor in Unai Emery

Less likely options are Fulham boss, Slavisa Jokanovic and the Chelsea Youth Manager, Jody Morris. Fulham are in the play-off final hoping to win promotion to the Premier League, whilst Jody Morris’ under 18’s side have won 7 trophies out of a possible 7 in his time in charge.

However, the likelihood of Chelsea recruiting from within for the top job is as likely as them fielding the under-18’s squad in the first team next season. Whilst the ‘whom’ regarding the replacement remains unclear, one thing is for certain. In two to three years’ time, we’ll be back here discussing who the new Chelsea manager will be.

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