Antonio Conte rubbishes rumors of discontent with Chelsea Board

A recent report in the Times claimed that not only was Antonio Conte unhappy with his involvement (or lack thereof) in Chelsea’s transfer dealings, he was holding this situation over the club during contract negotiations and making it a demand that he be more involved. I didn’t think that report made too much sense at the time, and sure enough, Conte himself rubbished it during his press conference on Friday.

“I don’t understand how you can say this situation because it’s not true. I have a good relationship, and when I need something I speak with the club and we try always to find the right solution. Always together.”

“It’s difficult to always take the right solution, but we always take decisions together.”

-Antonio Conte; source: Chelsea FC

That’s been the arrangement since the day he got here, and he’s often talked about the communication and the collaboration he has with the Chelsea Board and the two directors mainly responsible for transfers and negotiations, Marina Granovskaia and Michael Emenalo. Chelsea haven’t been a manager-led club in terms of player transfers for most of the Abramovich era and that setup won’t nor should it be changing anytime soon.

As far as Conte’s contract goes, most reports indicate that it’s basically a done deal and they’re just waiting for the end of the seasons to sign it. While that does leave a couple months for speculation and silly rumors (more Inter rumors in The Sun this morning, for example), I think we can rest assured that a new contract will be signed, alongside a healthy raise and a better living arrangement with the rest of Conte’s family coming to join him in London.

“It's the same, the same every week. We have a target [to win the title] and it's important we concentrate on trying to reach that target.”

“I repeat: I'm very happy to be Chelsea's coach and I want to continue in this way for many years.”

-Antonio Conte; source: ESPN

Amen.