Chelsea want Luis Enrique to replace Antonio Conte as Roman Abramovich looks to fire Italian and hire ex-Barcelona boss
Russian owner fed up with Conte's complaints about spending and will sack him this summer in favour of Spaniard Enrique
Sponsored by
CHELSEA are planning to replace under-fire Antonio Conte with ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.
Blues chief Roman Abramovich is furious at manager Conte’s persistent jibes about the club’s lack of spending.
Despite winning the Premier League in his first season, Conte accepts he is facing the sack. He admitted: “I’m not a diplomatic man. I prefer to be honest, to tell the truth in every moment.”
But his outspoken comments have riled Chelsea’s billionaire owner Abramovich, who is set to wield the axe in the summer and make Enrique his 12th manager since taking charge in 2003.
Former Italy manager Conte, 48, wants to see out the final year of his Stamford Bridge contract, so will get a £9million pay-off.
Conte’s relationship with director Marina Granovskaia has broken down. The boss said: “You can see, in 14 years, ten managers were sacked. I see no difference between them and me.”
Spaniard Enrique, 47, is out of work having left the Nou Camp last summer when his contract expired.
His unemployed status makes him an attractive option for Abramovich given he would not have to prise him away from another club or pay any compensation.
MOR AGONY Alvaro Morata devastated as close friend dies in car accident
While Enrique is enjoying a year-long sabbatical, he is understood to be open to offers for next season.
Enrique’s reputation is sky high having won La Liga twice, the Copa del Rey three times and the Champions League during his Barca reign.
Chelsea transfer news
Most read in sport
