Fabrizio Romano has delivered his verdict on whether Antonio Conte could return to become the Chelsea manager.
Todd Boehly and the board decided on Tuesday that Mauricio Pochettino will have to go. The Argentine’s time at Stamford Bridge came to an end, and the Blues are now on the lookout for his successor.
Former boss Conte’s name has come out of the rumour mill recently, and Romano has now had his say on the possibility of him returning to Chelsea.
Fabrizio Romano addresses Antonio Conte to Chelsea rumour
Antonio Conte is no stranger to Chelsea fans.
The ‘amazing‘ Italian spent two years at Stamford Bridge between 2016 and 2018. He won the Premier League title in his debut season and then lifted the FA Cup in the following campaign.
Conte’s time at Chelsea didn’t come to a great end, but everyone will agree that he is an exceptional football manager and a proven winner.
That’s probably why rumours came out of nowhere following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure that Conte has offered himself to Chelsea again.
The Italian has been out of work since leaving Tottenham Hotspur after a huge outburst in 2023.
Fabrizio Romano heard those rumours and he has now set the record straight.
The journalist has made it clear to Blues fans that Conte has ‘never’ been an option for Chelsea, and no talks have taken place between the two parties.
He wrote in his Daily Briefing: “They also never made contact with Antonio Conte, this was never an option, despite some rumours that he offered himself to Chelsea.
“Conte doesn’t have to offer himself to anyone, and he’s not been talking to Chelsea.”
READ MORE: Chelsea told ‘fantastic’ manager will ‘100 per cent’ snub chance to replace Mauricio Pochettino
Four other managers are also not in contention at Chelsea
The rumour mill has been very active as Chelsea look to appoint a new manager.
The Blues will surely have their list of targets, and they could well have started talks with a few of them about taking the job.
However, after making things clear about Antonio Conte, Romano revealed that Chelsea have not been in talks with Vincent Kompany and Sergio Conceicao either.
The journalist also confirmed that there have been no discussions with Thomas Tuchel and Hansi Flick too, who are both available now.
It will be interesting to see who Chelsea will go after in the coming weeks.