Conte reportedly under pressure after Chelsea defeat

The Daily Star say Antonio Conte is already under pressure at Chelsea following the recent home defeat against Liverpool.

It is claimed that club owner Roman Abramovich was furious after Friday night’s match and held talks with Chelsea executives until 1am.
Abramovich is also said to have questioned why head coach Conte waited until the 84th-minute to make any substitutions.

‘A source close to the Blues owner’ is quoted as saying: “He was not happy with Conte’s performance, but it’s very early.”

The Sun say Abramovich is ready to back Conte by giving him more money to spend during the January transfer window.

But the Russian is also said to be alarmed at Chelsea’s defeat and keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s problems.

Meanwhile, the Evening Standard suggest Marcos Alonso making his Chelsea debut against Leicester this evening could put Branislav Ivanovic’s future in doubt.

There is speculation that Alonso impressing would lead to him keeping his place at left-back, with Cesar Azpilicueta then moving across to right-back to replace Ivanovic.