Conte: If I leave, Chelsea will have to sack me

Ian Watson

Antonio Conte has no intention of quitting Chelsea and says it is up to the club whether he stays on as head coach.

The Italian won the Premier League title last term, in his first season as boss of the Blues, who play Leicester on Saturday.

Conte last summer signed an improved contract, but not an extension to his deal which expires in June 2019, and there has been continual speculation over his position.

The former Juventus and Italy boss says that goes with the territory of working at Chelsea and does not happen at other clubs.

“Everything is possible,” he said.

“In one moment you stay here, in another moment another person replaces you in your job.”

Asked if he would extend his contract with Chelsea, he added: “In this case, I think the club has to decide to send me away.”

Conte, who has been linked with jobs in Italy and with Paris St Germain in France, was then asked if he would resign. He said: “No.”

Conte insisted he is happy at Chelsea, will continue to work as a professional and “never give up”.

He added: “For the manager of this club it’s normal to have this type of situation, also if you won last season the league and you reached the final in FA Cup.”