Luis Enrique linked with Chelsea as Antonio Conte faces 4 massive games against the Manchester clubs and Barcelona
Get football updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Antonio Conte's Chelsea future will be sealed by four huge matches over the next six weeks — starting with their Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona next month.
It has been claimed in his native Spain that ex-Barca boss Luis Enrique could even be installed on the Blues bench BEFORE the first leg with his former club on February 20.
Chelsea insist it is business as usual after backing their head coach in the January transfer window and with the reigning Premier League champions still in three competitions.
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
But there is increasing irritation in the boardroom about recent poor results — especially Wednesday's 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth — and Conte’s repeated public criticism of club policy.
Last year’s title winners are in fourth place, 18 points adrift of the leaders, and face a crucial run of games, starting with that first encounter with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge followed by away trips to the Manchester giants — City and United.
CONTE'S FATEFUL FOURSOME
DATE COMPETITION OPPONENTS Feb 20 Champions League Barcelona (h) Feb 25 Premier League Man United (a) Mar 4 Premier League Man City (a) Mar 14 Champions League Barcelona (a)
After a home game against Crystal Palace, it's the return with Barca at the Nou Camp.
The fragile peace between the manager and the club will be shattered by more humiliations or outbursts and would bring forward his planned departure at the end of the season.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now
Amazingly, the last two Premier League-winning managers – Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Leicester's Claudio Ranieri – have both been sacked before the end of the following campaign.
Conte has told friends he is determined to fight on in his £9million-a-year job despite his frustrations.
(Image: Reuters)
(Image: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
But the Italian risked further upsetting the bosses in the wake of the Bournemouth game by claiming it would be “normal” for this squad to finish outside of the Champions League places — Chelsea have spent nearly £250m on nine new players since last summer.
Owner Roman Abramovich sacked then-manager Andre Villas-Boas between last-16 legs six years ago, before caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo went on to win the trophy.
(Image: Getty)
There is no non-Italian assistant now left at the Bridge since the departure of Steve Holland to work with the England squad, and sacking Conte would require bringing in at least a temporary replacement.
Enrique is taking a sabbatical after three years in charge of Barcelona but other top candidates such as Max Allegri and Diego Simeone are in jobs.
Former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet told talkSPORT: “It doesn’t look right from outside. And this is not just coming from the last month — it is from the summer.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now
“I would leave the manager to finish the season. It is very important not to create another issue with another manager with another system and another mentality ahead of a massive Champions League game.”
Andreas Christensen is set to miss Monday’s trip to Watford with the hamstring strain that forced him off in the first half against Bournemouth, but Willian should return in midfield.