Antonio Conte shows who is boss in Chelsea pre-season training despite sack looming
Conte could be sacked and replaced by Maurizio Sarri within a week
ANTONIO CONTE faced the bizarre situation of taking his Chelsea squad for their first full day of training today - even though he could be replaced by the end of the week.
Conte was back from holiday and against all the odds he remains the head coach.
And that is despite the fact his fellow Italian Maurizio Sarri is waiting to take over.
Chelsea are in talks to get Sarri released by his current club Napoli, who in turn are waiting for him to resign.
Both clubs are haggling over the level of compensation.
It means dead man walking Conte had to fulfil the terms of his contract and oversee the first session of pre-season training today with everybody in limbo.
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Chelsea's players who did not play at the World Cup are all in for duty.
And that meant Cesc Fabregas, Marco Alonso, Alvaro Morata were all back at Conham, although there was no sign of fellow Spain international Pedro.
Outcasts Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater and David Luiz were also among those on duty.
Conte returned from holiday on Saturday as those Chelsea players reporting for work underwent medical checks and fitness tests.
He is expected to be axed as soon as a deal for Sarri has been agreed.
But the Italian still has a year remaining on his contract which pays him in excess of £10 million a year.
Chelsea could be forced to pay their manager that full amount if he is axed and does not take up another job in the next 12 months.
Relations between Chelsea and Conte broke down last season over the head coach's perceived snipes at the club's transfer policy.