Luis Enrique looks ready to replace Antonio Conte as Chelsea
manager with a report in Spain suggesting the former Barcelona boss has
already agreed personal terms.
Conte’s position in the Blues hotseat has become increasingly
unstable in recent weeks following a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth and
then a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Watford on Monday.
With Chelsea’s position in the top four now coming under threat,
owner Roman Abramovich could be forced to act and, according to Sport,
he is set to hand 47-year-old Enrique a two-and-a-half-year contract
until the summer of 2020.
Enrique, who has also managed Roma and Celta Vigo, is available immediately after leaving Barcelona last summer.
While in charge at the Nou Camp he led Barca to two La Liga titles,
a trio of Copa del Rey triumphs and glory in the 2015 Champions League
final.
One of Enrique’s first games as Chelsea boss could be against
Barca, who visit Stamford Bridge on February 20, before completing their
Champions League last-16 tie in Catalonia on March 14.
Speaking after Chelsea’s humbling defeat at Watford this week,
Conte insisted he does not fear being sacked and even challenged the
club to wield the axe if they believe he is not good enough.
‘No, I’m not worried. I’m not worried about my job,’ said Conte. ‘I work every day, and I give 120 per cent. Okay? If this is enough, it’s okay.
‘Otherwise, the club can take a different decision. But I’m not
worried. Tomorrow is another day. I can be the Chelsea coach or not.
Which is the problem? My soul is clear.
‘I go to sleep without a problem that maybe, maybe, I could do
this or that. I try to do everything. If it’s not good, the club can
make a different decision. Life goes on.
‘To play football in a great club, it means you must have a
personality because it’s simple to play when there is the confidence.
‘Especially in this type of moment, you can see who is (ready
to play) for a great club. To play with personality and also to risk
something.’
Source: DailyMail