Chelsea sack manager Antonio Conte after two years in charge
The former Juventus and Italy boss is expected to be replaced by former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri, it is being reported.
Friday 13 July 2018 13:12, UK
Image: Antonio Conte had a year left on his contract
Antonio Conte, who led Chelsea to Premier League and FA Cup victory during his two years in charge, has been sacked as the club's manager.
The 48-year-old Italian, who took pre-season training earlier this week, had a year left on his contract.
"Chelsea Football Club and Antonio Conte have parted company," the club said in a statement.
"During Antonio's time at the club, we won our sixth league title and eighth FA Cup.
"In the title-winning season, the club set a then record 30 wins in a 38-game Premier League season, as well as a club record 13 consecutive league victories.
"We wish Antonio every success in his future career."
Love this man 💙 Thanks for everything Boss In a time that should have been the most difficult season of my career,Antonio was honest, respectful and there for me whenever I needed him. I loved working and learning from him. Thank you for everything boss 💙 JT @chelseafc
A post shared by John Terry (@johnterry.26) on Jul 12, 2018 at 9:34am PDT
Conte is set to be replaced by former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri, according to reports.
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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed on Wednesday that the deal was almost done, saying: "Sarri is close to being new Chelsea manager.
"My lawyers are in talks with his lawyers to finalise everything."
Sarri, 59, replaced Conte during a short-lived spell at Arezzo in 2006-07, before Conte was reappointed.
If Sarri does take over at Stamford Bridge, he will become the 13th permanent boss since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in June 2003.
Former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola has been linked with a job on his coaching staff.
Sarri led Napoli to two second-place finishes and one third-place finish during three seasons in charge.
Image: Chelsea won the FA Cup in May
Conte's position had been in doubt since the club finished fifth in the Premier League last season, missing out on qualification for the Champions League.
They were 30 points behind title winners Manchester City.
Conte appeared to be unhappy with the club's transfer decisions in the 2017-18 season.
Asked after the FA Cup final in May whether it would be his last match in charge, the Italian said he was a "serial winner" who "can't change".
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
Former Chelsea captain John Terry said Conte was "honest, respectful and there for me whenever I needed him".
"I loved working and learning from him," he added on Instagram.
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas tweeted: "It wasn't easy for me to convince you in the beginning but in the end I hope I did you proud!"