Antonio Conte has been sacked by Chelsea, according to reports emerging on Thursday, July 12, 2018, out of Italy from Gianluca Di Marzio.
Conte now appears to have left Stamford Bridge after two years at the club, although Chelsea are refusing to comment on reports he is no longer in charge.
The Italian transformed the club from also-rans to champions in his first season in charge but he’s now been given his marching orders.
The Italian led the west London club to Premier League title glory in a successful first season at the helm but his second campaign proved far less harmonious and although they lifted the FA Cup in the spring, they could only finish fifth in the Premier League.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry has also posted a message on his Instagram account, saying: “Great man, Great manager. I wish you every success in the future.”
#Conte sacked from @ChelseaFC (info @MaxNebuloni) @SkySport @SkySportsNews
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) July 12, 2018
A poor start to 2018, including heavy defeats against Watford and Tottenham meant Chelsea finished outside of the top four and will be in the Europa League next season.
The Italian was widely expected to leave Chelsea after a number of high-profile spats with those behind the scenes.
Conte often vented his frustration about the club’s transfer policy throughout last season and his relationship with the players had become strained, despite their FA Cup victory.
Conte’s departure from the club had been delayed with the Blues working out a compensation package for the Italian, who had one year remaining on his contract at the club.
Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli president announced on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, that “Sarri is close to being new Chelsea manager. My lawyers are in talks with his lawyers to finalize everything.”
It is believed that the Blues agreed on a fee in the region of £9.5m to pay off Conte and his staff.
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