In contrast with several recent reports about potential disagreements among the Chelsea decision-makers regarding primary summer targets (e.g.: Lukaku vs. Morata) or replacements for outgoing assistant coach Steve Holland, the latest dispatch from the Transfer Oracle claims that Conte’s relationship with Chelsea, and owner Roman Abramovich and director Marina Granovskaia specifically, is nothing short of excellent.
#Calciomercato | #Chelsea, tanta voglia di un lungo futuro assieme a #Conte: primi passi per il rinnovo ⚽️https://t.co/1FMytq5dXE
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) April 6, 2017
The report claims that all parties involved are looking to build a long term relationship, which includes a new contract extension for Conte as well as “significant” investment in the squad this summer. While none of this is particularly new or ground-breaking territory, it’s a welcome change of pace from the constant media reports trying to pick at the seams of the relationship between the coaching staff and the Chelsea Board.
Conte himself has hit out at some of the more recent rumors, some of which were played up by his own acquaintances, even.
“I don’t like it when others speak for me. [Andrea] Pastorello is a friend, I know him well, but I don’t like when others speak for me. If someone wants to know something about me, then they must ask me. We’re fighting for the title and we want to achieve this goal, then we’ll try to build something important together. Yes, [I will be at Chelsea] for the next season.”
-Antonio Conte; source: Guardian
As with any healthy relationship, Conte and Chelsea seem quite capable of working out and working through any potential disagreements they have encountered and will surely encounter again in the future. While nothing is certain in the fast-moving and highly demanding world of football, Conte’s been an instant success at Chelsea and hopefully this good situation can last at least a fair few years more.