Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea news: Why Antonio Conte may still be in charge next season - expert
ANTONIO CONTE may remain as Chelsea manager going into next season due to Roman Abramovich’s problems with his visa.
That is according to European football expert Gabriele Marcotti.
Chelsea owner Abramovich’s visa has run out and he is currently not allowed to live in the United Kingdom.
The future of Blues boss Conte has been in serious doubt for several months after a turbulent campaign on and off the pitch.
But Marcotti says discussions over getting a new manager have been placed on the back-burner for the time being.
If worse comes to worse, they have a manager, his name is Antonio Conte, he just won the FA Cup, and he won the league the year before
And that could lead to Conte entering into the final year of his Chelsea contract.
“Well I think there is one thing that trumps everything else right now and that is the situation with the owner, Roman Abramovich,” Marcotti told ESPN FC.
“Frankly, I’ve always had the impression that the issue with the players had been overplayed, it’s only a couple of them, they’re at the World Cup anyway.
“The issue with the manager, if worse comes to worse, they have a manager, his name is Antonio Conte, he just won the FA Cup, and he won the league the year before.
Laurent Blanc would be 'underwhelming' at Chelsea says expert
“So I think from the club’s perspective, if the scenario happens where Conte’s still around, it may not be ideal, but I think they’d rather do that than go and pay him off or go and make a rush decision for what could be the wrong guy.
“But the issue for Abramovich is pretty serious because he has not had his British Investor Visa renewed thus far, that could change in future.
“There are implications that limits the amount of time he can spend in England.”