Chelsea Sack Antonio Conte As Manager

Chelsea have sacked Italian Antonio Conte as manager, media in Britain and Italy reported on Thursday.

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.

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.

It is believed that the Blues agreed on a fee in the region of £9.5m to pay off Conte and his staff.

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis said on Wednesday that the Premier League side were close to securing a deal for former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri to replace Conte.