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Chelsea: Antonio Conte claims that he will not choose to leave

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

NORWICH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea gives his team instructions during the The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Chelsea at Carrow Road on January 6, 2018 in Norwich, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea gives his team instructions during the The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Chelsea at Carrow Road on January 6, 2018 in Norwich, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images) /
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Antonio Conte has claimed that he will only leave Chelsea this summer if the Blues board decide to sack him. Do you believe him?

Rumours have been rabidly suggesting that Antonio Conte will leave Chelsea in the summer. The boss has never quite settled in West London and the apparent lack of backing from the board may push him out. However, in his latest comments, Conte has claimed that he will only leave if the board terminate his contract.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Leicester City, Conte addressed the numerous rumours.

"I have another year of contract and in this case I think the club has to decide to send me away…I am fully committed to Chelsea, to work with my players to try also to improve the club in the football aspect. – via The Telegraph"

Conte simply appears to be saying the right things to try kill the topic for the rest of the season. After a summer of discontent, rumours about his exit have dogged the Blues throughout the campaign. As Chelsea look to put together a winning run in the second-half, they need as few distractions as possible.

These stories have been borne out of Chelsea’s summer transfer window. The Blues failed to strengthen appropriately and the board reportedly failed to act on any of Conte’s suggestions. As a result, the club have been some steps behind their rivals and it has shown in their performances.

Chelsea officials have a chance to make amends this month. Conte will undoubtedly have a few names on his mid-season wishlist. However, the general perception is that the club aren’t too enamoured with the Italian anyway. Should another candidate become available in the summer, they would have no problem replacing Conte.

Nonetheless, Conte’s comments reflect his professional attitude. Even though he will probably leave in the summer, he is trying to cast the speculation to one side to focus on his current job.

Chelsea have a mountain of work to do if they are to look back with fondness on the 2017/18 campaign. They are currently in a top four race, while they face a struggle to win any of the cup competitions.

Next: Chelsea must play more expensively to thwart Leicester’s gameplan

Full concentration and commitment is needed from every member of the squad and management team from this point forward. Conte’s comments will hopefully make it that much easier.

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