Conte admits ‘everything is possible’ amid speculation over future
Antonio Conte has reacted to reports he will be replaced by Chelsea at the end of the season by saying: “Everything is possible.”
It follows reports in Conte’s native Italy that Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has agreed to take over at Stamford Bridge.
Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is also among those touted as a possible replacement for Conte, who was asked about his future at a media conference on Friday afternoon.
He said: “Everything is possible. I have another year’s contract with this club but as you know very well in football everything is possible – one moment you stay here and another moment another person replaces you in your job.
“For this club it is normal for the manager to have this type of situation. This is the history of the club.
“Something is strange if after the first game we lost against Burnley the press pressed quickly for me to be sacked for another coach. I think in other clubs this doesn’t happen.
“You must trust in your work. I trust in my work and what we are doing, but in football anything can happen. We must be ready.”
There has been speculation over Conte’s future for some time, with the former Juve boss said to be unhappy about Chelsea’s transfer dealings.
Asked if he is happy at the club, he said: “I’m happy and am enjoying my period here.
“It wasn’t easy – it’s not simple for me, my first experience in another country. But I am enjoying my experience.
“I have another year on my contract and I think the club has to decide (if it wants) to send me away.
“We have started big work here together with the players and when you start work you need time to improve your work and to create a solid basis.
“But in football now it is very difficult to predict you can stay for many years with one club, especially now in England.
“Before, a manager was in charge for many years. Now in England you have this habit to sack a manager early.”
Meanwhile, new signing Ross Barkley is on course to make his Chelsea debut in next week’s FA Cup third-round replay against Norwich.
