Chelsea consider keeping Antonio Conte as manager after Real Madrid job failed

Chelsea consider keeping Antonio Conte as manager after Real Madrid job failed

Roman Abramovich is considering allowing Antonio Conte to stay on as Chelsea manager rather than pay out the remainder of his contract, according to reports.

Chelsea had been expected to sack Conte this summer and have been openly searching for a new manager, making contact with several targets.

Former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri is the favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea have accepted they must pay Conte a sizable compensation package should they fire him.

The Telegraph claim Chelsea had been hoping Conte would be attracted to taking the helm at Juventus or Real Madrid, but those positions are no longer available.

Spain sacked Julen Lopetegui this week a day before the World Cup after Real announced the 51-year-old would succeed Zinedine Zidane.

Chelsea must pay Conte £9million if he leaves the club without another job in place, but the Italian may now be permitted to stay on and see out the final year of his contract.

Chelsea consider keeping Antonio Conte as manager after Real Madrid job failed

Chelsea consider keeping Antonio Conte as manager after Real Madrid job failed

Conte has told friends he is ready to return to pre-season training, although the Blues board have not consulted him for transfers or the club's future plans.

Abramovich risks causing civil war at the club by keeping Conte in charge, after a spectacular fall-out with the Chelsea chiefs.

Conte hit out continually at Chelsea's transfer policy and insisted again and again he did not have a big enough squad to cope in his second season.

Chelsea consider keeping Antonio Conte as manager after Real Madrid job failed

Chelsea consider keeping Antonio Conte as manager after Real Madrid job failed

The Premier League winner also feuded with his players, which saw Diego Costa cast out of the club and David Luiz frozen out for much of the campaign.

There are fears Eden Hazard will refuse to extend his contract if Conte is not sacked, while Brazilian duo Luiz and Willian would almost certainly ask to be sold.

There is also a concern Conte may seek revenge against his enemies within Chelsea should he remain in his post.

Chelsea consider keeping Antonio Conte as manager after Real Madrid job failed

Abramovich had been hoping for a mutual break-up, but must now either bin Conte or risk further turmoil at the club.

Chelsea are still expected to axe Conte, with Sarri and former France manager Laurent Blanc the leading candidates.

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