Chelsea conflict: Antonio Conte is picking a fight with Roman Abramovich
Antonio Conte is picking impossible transfer targets for Chelsea
Stamford Bridge is a battlefield as Antonio Conte and Roman Abramovich continue to battle for control of Chelsea Football Club. The latest conflict between the two titans centres on the subject of Tottenham left back Danny Rose.
Reports from England claim the Blues’ boss has instructed club officials to make a massive offer for the English fullback. He isn’t fit at the moment, but conservative estimates believe he’ll be ready for Premier League action in September. Chelsea are willing to double his wages in an effort to convince him to leave Mauricio Pochettino behind.
On the surface, it seems like an innocent plan from Conte. Chelsea could certainly use an upgrade at left back and Rose is arguably the best player in the Premier League at that spot. The Blues are never afraid to flex their financial might and would love to weaken Tottenham in the process.
There’s more to this request than meets the eye though. Conte continues to be unhappy with Chelsea’s moves in the summer transfer window. The former Italy boss sees the support Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have received this summer and logically wonders why he isn’t getting the same backing. The disparity has caused tension to grow between Conte and Abramovich.
As the club’s owner, Abramovich continues to hold the power. However, Conte is desperately trying to chip away at his influence. Conte’s goal is to secure more power over the club’s transfer dealings. Ideally, he’d like to see Chelsea spend big to finish out the summer.
The only tool left at his disposal is to use public pressure to push Abramovich into more spending. Conte can’t do that by criticizing his boss to the media or fans. He’s already pushed his boss far enough on that front.
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Instead, Conte continues to float impossible to sign transfer targets to the public to curry favour with Chelsea’s passionate fans. Rose is a perfect example. Tottenham have repeatedly told anyone who will listen that he won’t be sold this summer at any price. Conte can leak his “interest” in the player and gain fan sentiment when Chelsea are “unable” to consummate a deal. Each time this happens, public sympathy for Conte’s cause grows.
As long as the stories can’t be traced back to Conte, it’s a no-lose situation. Abramovich will continue to be portrayed as the owner who won’t back his Premier League title-winning manager to the hilt. That takes pressure of Conte to win more trophies this season in the eyes of the public.
On the other hand, Conte’s tactics could coax Abramovich to make another big signing or two. Chelsea unquestionably have the quality to win the league again, but the right addition or two could make them the favourites once again. Either way you slice it, Conte is the winner here.
Next: Chelsea plan massive striker bid in spite of Morata
Antonio Conte and Roman Abramovich may not be fighting in public, but they are wrestling for power behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea fans must hope the conflict doesn’t cost the club one of the world’s best managers.