Antonio Conte 'in talks' with Real Madrid claims pundit
That’s what Craig Burley believes.
The Italian had an 11-strong support staff of assistant coaches, fitness coaches, analysts, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and nutritionists while he was at Chelsea.
The Blues had to pay off eight of that group after releasing Conte from his contract back in July after two years of a three-year contract.
But the 49-year-old has emerged as one of the favourites to become Real Madrid’s next permanent boss.
The European champions have named Santiago Solari as their temporary boss after sacking Julen Lopetegui because of a poor start to the season.
Sunday’s 5-1 defeat to rivals Barcelona leaves them seven points adrift of top spot in La Liga having lost five of their last eight games across all competitions.
Conte’s strict style of management saw him alienate several players at Chelsea with Willian one player particularly pleased to see the back of the former Juventus coach.
And captain Sergio Ramos has expressed similar concern, declaring after the Barca defeat: “Respect is not imposed. It’s achieved with work. Managing a locker room is more important than tactical knowledge.”
Antonio Conte has been named as a possible long-term successor to Julen Lopetegui (Image: GETTY)
Antonio Conte had a huge backroom team at Chelsea (Image: GETTY)
Craig Burley thinks the size of Conte's backroom staff could present a problem (Image: ESPNFC)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Real Madrid news: Antonio Conte doubt raised over replacing Julen Lopetegui
Real Madrid news: Antonio Conte doubt raised over replacing Julen Lopetegui
Former Chelsea midfielder Burley thinks that club president Florentino Perez shouldn’t ignore the attitude of his players - but also thinks the appointment of Conte could depend on whether or not Real are willing to also appoint all of his close confidants.
Burley told ESPN FC: “You shouldn’t really [be consulting players over a managerial appointment] but you’ve got to factor in if you’re an owner or a sporting director or whatever, like Perez, that if a manager comes in and the players are unhappy - the chances of things picking up are pretty dim.
“I think what will happen here is that they’ll probably look and see how it goes for a short while under Santi [Solari] and then behind the scenes I’m sure they’ll still be talking to other people.
“One of the other things with Conte, I don’t know if he’ll be allowed to in this case or what the discussions will be but he brings a big entourage with him.
Craig Burley was discussing Julen Lopetegui's sacking on ESPN FC (Image: ESPNFC)
Julen Lopetegui only managed 14 matches as Real Madrid manager (Image: GETTY)
Julen Lopetegui was sacked after Real Madrid's Clasico humilation at Barcelona (Image: GETTY)
“Talking with one or two people at Chelsea when he was there, he brought a big staff in with him - I don’t know how far Real Madrid will want go down the line with someone like that.
“But good for Santi Solari and the players, there’s not one Real Madrid player that could come out and say, ‘I don’t really like the manager.’
“He’s pretty much universally liked, he works here at ESPN, nice guy, well respected with all the players. Over you, Real Madrid players. Can you perform for this guy?”
Solari will be on the touch-line for Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey round of 32 first-leg with third-division side Melilla tomorrow (6.30pm).