Conte agent issues surprising update on Chelsea future

Matt Stead
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea at London Stadium on December 9, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte will be in charge of Chelsea next season, according to his agent.

Conte signed a three-year contract when he became Chelsea manager in summer 2016.

The Italian signed an improved deal, but not an extended one, after winning the Premier League title in his first campaign.

There will therefore be one year remaining on his contract at the end of this season, and many felt both he and the club could use this as a way to engineer his early departure.

Conte and Chelsea have clashed in recent weeks over the club’s transfer activity, and Luis Enrique has reportedly already been lined up as his replacement – although sacking the manager will only be half the battle.

But Conte’s agent envisages his client to still be in charge at Stamford Bridge this time next year.

“Conte has already been through that experience and prefers to work with the squad on a daily basis,” his representative Federico Pastorello told Rai Sport.

“I see him at Chelsea next year, as he has a contract valid for another season-and-a-half and doesn’t like to leave things unfinished.”