Chelsea refuse to comment on reports of Conte sacking

Matt Stead

Chelsea have refused to comment on reports that head coach Antonio Conte has been sacked.

Conte’s future at Chelsea has been in significant doubt for some time, with the Italian fielding regular questions about the situation throughout last season.

Having won the Premier League title in his first campaign in charge, the Blues finished an underwhelming fifth in 2017/18, missing out on Champions League qualification.

Maurizio Sarri, still currently employed by Napoli despite the Serie A club appointing Carlo Ancelotti this summer, is expected to replace Conte.

The Italian has one year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, but reports from his homeland suggest he has finally been sacked.

Sky Italia claim that Conte has been removed from the post, implying that the Blues have finally agreed a compensation package for his departure.

According to the Daily Telegraph, that severance package amounts to the full £9million of Conte’s last year, to be paid ‘unless a private agreement can be struck’.

Chelsea’s fear that Eden Hazard could have looked to leave if Conte had remained is said to be one of the decisive factors in the decision.

Chelsea are refusing to comment on the speculation.