It is one of football’s worst kept secret that the relationship between Chelsea and wantaway manager, Conte. The inevitable might have taken a while, but it was expected after the season Chelsea had on and off the field.
After then euphoria of his debut season, Conte’s second season was mired with dressing squabbles an board room intrigues. Many players had issues with his training regime, while Conte himself had issues with m,embers of the board regarding his handling of the Costa situation that resulted in the Spanish player leaving for former Club, Althletico Madrid.
It was also believed what held up the sacking was payment. Chelsea, on sacking the Italian are obligated to pay him 9 million pounds if he remains out of work for the season, and will also need to pay Napoli a reported sum of 4.5 million pounds.
Sarri remain the favourite for the job, but the Italian will also need to cut his chain-smoking habit in England of he wants to manage in the premiership, as smoking is banned on the touchlines.
Sarri, in three years took Napoli to second, third, and second place respectively, losing the title to Juventus on all three occasions. Former Chelsea star, Gianfranco Zola is expected to form part of Sarri’s backroom staff next season as the Italian looks to mend what looks like a broken team.
Conte in his two seasons at Chelsea won the Premiership and the FA Cup.