First question is – when will Maurizio Sarri be introduced as manager?
The Premier League season begins in just one month. While most clubs have returned to pre-season training, Chelsea appear to be in a state of disarray.
It’s been reported that Antonio Conte and most of his staff were fired on Thursday. Yet there has been no confirmation of this or any official word of a replacement from the London Club. There’s presently no mention on the managerial situation on the official Chelsea website.
Regardless, Cesc Fabregas and former captain John Terry posted tributes to Conte:
Thank you Mister for another Premier League title and FA Cup. It wasn’t easy for me to convince you in the beginning but in the end I hope I did you proud! Good luck for the future. #CFC
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) July 12, 2018
Chelsea has had all summer to address its managerial situation
It’s been no secret throughout the summer that Chelsea were interested in bringing in Napoli manager Maurizzio Sarri to replace Conte. Yet two months after the 2017-2018 campaign wrapped up, there’s been no movement from the Chelsea board.
It is now being reported that Conte’s lawyers are working on the Italian’s exit package.
The saga is playing out like a prime time soap opera. Conte knew he was no longer wanted but refused to resign.
Chelsea had Sarri lined up but held off on axing the manager. At the same time Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has demanded a huge fee from the London club in order to allow Sarri to join Chelsea.
While all this drama has been unfolding, Conte was seen at the club’s training ground this past week working with the players.
Of course the managerial situation will be resolved soon enough. The problem, however, is will there still be enough time for Chelsea to work out which players will stay, who will go and who can be brought in.
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Who do you think will be brought in to replace the Italian Antonio Conte?