Abramovich angered by Conte after defeat – report

Matt Stead

Antonio Conte is ‘already under pressure’ at Chelsea, with Roman Abramovich ‘furious’, according to reports.

Conte started the season strongly with Chelsea, guiding the Blues to three victories and a draw from their opening four Premier League games.

But they were outclassed and outplayed by Liverpool last Friday, with the Reds inflicting upon them their first defeat of the season.

The manner of the loss angered owner Abramovich who, according to both the Daily Star and the Daily Express, ‘held meetings with Chelsea executives until 1am’ that evening.

Both outlets add that the Russian was ‘furious’ with Conte and his players, and openly questioned tactical decisions made by the new manager.

David Woods of the Star writes that Abramovich ‘is understood to have been angered by the limp performance of the expensively-assembled team’. He adds:

‘He is also thought to have questioned why Conte, with his men 2-1 down from the 36th minute, waited until the 84th minute to make any substitutions.

‘A source close to the club’s owner said: “He was not happy with Conte’s performance, but it was very early.’

It is understood that the Italian is unhappy with the standard of the club’s summer transfer window, with new additions expected to be made in January.