Antonio Conte Announces Departure, Chelsea FC Confirmation Inevitable

As we await the announcement of the next permanent Chelsea FC boss, Antonio Conte has advanced proceedings by confirming his intention to step down as Italy coach.

Chelsea FC are still to unveil the man who will lead them into the next campaign. Rumours have focussed on Antonio Conte, with many taking it as a move that is all but guaranteed. The Italian has further lent credence to these stories by giving notice to the Italian Football Federation that he will vacate his post as national team boss after EURO 2016.

President Carlo Tavecchio confirmed as much earlier today, revealing the development to the press.

"Conte will leave the national team after the European Championship. He hears the call of the [training] pitch and of daily work, which is understandable. – via The Guardian"

This is just a part of the necessary process that allows Chelsea to formally announce Conte as their incoming manager. The Italian’s contract was due to end after the summer tournament and he will indeed not be renewing his deal.

While the Blues have not officially confirmed his appointment as of yet, all indications are that it will come sooner rather than later. Furthermore, Tavecchio’s comments suggest that a return to club football is imminent for the ex-Juventus player.

This will be a welcome development for the Stamford Bridge faithful. With the club’s season now truly dead and buried, all attention has turned to the next manager and the rebuild that is needed over the summer. Chelsea are reportedly considering the future of almost ten first-team players and the installation of a boss is key to ensuring that the right personnel are chopped and changed.

Conte will undoubtedly be entangled with Italy’s concerns as he prepares to go for glory in France, but he will also have half an eye on the Blues. Being a national manager allows for significant free time and Conte will likely be using some of it to evaluate the current Chelsea set-up and formulate his plans for the summer.

Next: John Terry To Be Faced With Unlikely Offer Following Chelsea FC Exit

For the moment, though, we will await an official announcement from the Italian football administrators in order to confirm this afternoon’s developments.