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Published 17:08 7 Feb 2018 GMT
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The Chelsea owner canvassed their opinions, and disgruntlement within the squad led to the departures of Luiz Felipe Scolari, Andre Villas-Boas and Mourinho during his second spell with the club.
However, none of those players are still at Chelsea, and the report claims that Abramovich will consult directly with the Chelsea board, rather than the first-team squad.
Miguel Delaney, writing in The Independent, reports that there is some discontent within the Chelsea squad.
"Antonio Conte's long tough training sessions at an arduous part of the season, and a hard-line approach to certain players, have become major issues for some of the Chelsea squad..."According to the report, "a core of individuals" feel that Conte's tough approach hasn't helped them this season, and they aren't pleased with the treatment of popular figures in the squad. Diego Costa fell out Conte at the end of last season, and left for Atletico Madrid. Michy Batshuayi was allowed join Borussia Dortmund on loan, after failing to convince his manager at Stamford Bridge. While David Luiz has rarely played in the past few months, after seemingly falling out with the former Juventus coach. The report also claims that the club and Conte want to see out the season if possible. But, again, things may change if the next few results don't go well.
Finally, Spanish media outlet Sport claim that Chelsea have opened negotiations with Luis Enrique. The former Barcelona coach is said to be open to the prospect of replacing Conte. But, considering various reports in England have claimed that Chelsea have not identified Conte's successor, it's probably worth taking this particular story with a pinch of salt. Although, Enrique will undoubtedly be in the frame when Conte does depart Stamford Bridge.
The Spanish outlet also report that Chelsea will have to pay Conte €30m (£26.7m) in compensation if they sack him before the end of the season. The former Italy coach signed an improved deal last summer, and his contract expires at the end of next season. If this is true, it would explain why Conte seems very relaxed about his future.The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 137
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