Conte doesn’t think FA Cup final will be his last game as Chelsea head coach

In case you’re wondering, Antonio Conte is not giving up. The cynics will of course interpret this as a play for that fabled £9m severance payment, but Conte remains steadfast in refusing to drop his commitment to the club, to our ambitions, and even to the players who so spectacularly imploded once again today at Newcastle.

Asked about whether the FA Cup final next Saturday will be his final match in charge, Conte, perhaps more in defiance than expectation, said he didn’t think so.

“No, I don’t think. For this season for sure, now we have to play the last game in the FA Cup and as you know very well I am repeating the same thing. I am committed for this club, this is important for me.”

While everybody’s dancing on Conte’s managerial grave already, the Chelsea boss knows that the only people who matter are the actual decision-makers in this case.

“Not speculation around me. It is important what thinks the club, not you. I have a contract and the club know very well the situation. After Saturday we go on vacation and then we will see next season.”

One bad season a bad manager does not make. Will Conte get a chance to redeem himself? Maybe not next season, but hopefully at least next weekend!

“I like to play to win. This is my first season that I didn’t win the title. Three with Juventus and one with Chelsea and when I start I have always won. There is a great disappointment for me as I like to play to win. To finish fifth in a big disappointment for me.”

“Now it is important to finish this season. We have an important game in six days and we have to try to prepare this game in a different way to today. Our fans deserve more than today.”

-Antonio Conte; source: Football.London