While Chelsea have no desire to see Antonio Conte leave this summer, it’s reported that they wouldn’t be short of options if they need a successor.
The Italian tactician enjoyed a memorable first year in charge at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League title with the Blues, while guiding them to the FA Cup final.
However, as noted by The Telegraph, speculation has been rife over the last week or so that he could be set to quit the club amid suggestions that he’s unhappy with transfer dealings so far this summer while his tense relationship and text to Diego Costa hasn’t helped matters either.
While the hope from a Chelsea perspective remains that he signs a new contract, it’s added in the report that if there is a split, then Luis Enrique is amongst the list of possible candidates to take charge ahead of next season.
The Spaniard has great experience of coaching at the highest level having enjoyed a successful spell at Barcelona,which included a league and Champions League double in 2015, before stepping down from that position at the end of last season.
The biggest reservation would be the change in style of play and culture that change would require, as the two tacticians have differing ideologies which could in turn result in a problematic transition.
Nevertheless, it’s reiterated on countless occasions in the report that Chelsea’s main priority is to keep Conte at the club, and with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Tiemoue Bakayoko being lined up as the first new arrivals at Stamford Bridge this summer, the situation could quickly change and the mood could improve if signings are made to bolster the squad to prepare them for a tough season ahead.