Antonio Conte is closer than ever to being announced as Chelsea FC’s next permanent manager after two fresh reports make him the clear favourite.
On the back of an awful week in which Chelsea were knocked out of both the Champions League and the FA Cup, the 2015/16 Blues campaign is now dead in the water. As a result, all attention has now been turned to the appointment of the next permanent boss. Antonio Conte has been heavily touted as the chosen one and two recent reports have only furthered his case.
Chile head coach Jorge Sampaoli has revealed that he was Roman Abramovich’s first choice when the recruitment process opened. Speaking to Argentinian radio, Sampaoli claimed that his deficiency with the English language put Conte in poll position.
"I had a meeting with Chelsea’s owner and he told me that I was the first option…But then Conte appeared and it became a competition between us. It was him or me. I needed some time in order to improve my English but this kind of club doesn’t give you that time. – via The Mirror"
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The murmurs surrounding Conte have thus far been pure speculation in the press. These comments from Sampaoli are the first that have come from a person who can legitimately claim to have been inside the process. They seem to do nothing but confirm that the Italian will be the man to take Chelsea into a new era next season.
In addition to this, Italian outlet Rai Sport have stated that Conte will give his notice to the Italian Federation this afternoon. With this, the Blues will be able to formally unveil the current Italy coach as their new boss.
"Italian outlet Rai Sport claim Conte will call Italian Federation President Carlo Tavecchio to tell of his plans…Chelsea would then be free to announce his appointment as Jose Mourinho’s permanent successor. – via The Daily Star"
The combination of these reports seem to all but guarantee what has become the inevitable. Conte will be the man charged with reviving the Blues next season.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting a formal announcement, as they are keen to have the future of their football club resolved. The last week has shown that, despite Guus Hiddink’s best efforts, the squad are in dire need of a rebuild. With such a mammoth task on the horizon, the absence of a manager is not the best way to enter the summer transfer window.
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Hopefully, the Stamford Bridge brass will confirm the appointment soon, in order to give the players and the boss a chance to evaluate the situation and formulate a plan for the off-season.