Chelsea’s rough run of matches could determine Antonio Conte’s fate
By Travis Tyler
Chelsea have a daunting fixture list before the next international break. How the matches play out could determine Antonio Conte’s future.
The next international break will begin for Chelsea after the next round of the FA Cup. Between then and now, Chelsea have a daunting run of opponents. Barcelona (twice), Manchester United, and Manchester City headline with Crystal Palace and Leicester City thrown in for good measure.
Upon returning from the break, Chelsea host Spurs. If all goes well against Barcelona, the Blues would have another Champions League opponent just a few days later. This massive run of fixtures could determine Antonio Conte’s future at Chelsea.
The run in to these fixtures could not have gone much worse. January was a disaster even with good wins over Brighton and Newcastle. The two most recent matches against West Brom and Hull City were commanding victories that have alleviated the pressure, but have not relieved the club of pressure.
But there is no rest as Chelsea look ahead towards three massive matches. Crystal Palace follows in what has been a tricky matchup for Conte. Then it is right back at it with Barcelona.
It would be understandable if Chelsea struggled in these matches. After all, Barcelona and Manchester City are rampant this season. Manchester United have come off the boil but are still finding ways to grind out results in true Jose Mourinho fashion.
The club could understandably lose all three and Conte could be perfectly safe. But how the results play out will be vital. If the club looks as disinterested as they did throughout January, the writing may be on the wall for the Italian.
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Even if they lose while fighting hard, the blow to the club’s mentality could show up against Leicester. The Foxes host the FA Cup fixture after the Barcelona tie concludes in what could be a difficult match. If the club is shaken by losses leading up to it, the match will only be more difficult. An exit in the FA Cup quarter finals would not be a total embarrassment, but it would shake the board’s confidence in Conte going forward.
Then the international break follows and Tottenham Hotspur await at the end of it. With the rest the break provides and Chelsea hosting, the Blues should have no excuse for not putting in a good performance. But depending on other results leading up to it, a draw or loss to Spurs could be the final nail in the coffin for Conte.
Sacking Conte midseason is unlikely. Only putting top four in genuine doubt would see it occur. Even then, it may be too late for a new manager to fix any issues and make top four. But if Chelsea are absolutely embarrassed in the next four matches, the international break would be a tempting window to swap the man in the hot seat.
A managerial change would require a perfect storm. The club has given few signs that it has reached that level of desperation as of yet. That could change quickly. It will be vital for Conte to have Chelsea show up big in the upcoming fixtures.
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If the Blues do not, the Italian may have explaining to do before Roman Abramovich himself. As history has shown, Abramovich is not one for excuses.