For all that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been a success in English football since his arrival, the Italian, who won the Premier League title as well as reaching an FA Cup final in his first season in west London, is preparing his side of the argument should things turn sour in his second term.
After months of speculation regarding his future at the club, with Italian giants Inter Milan keen on poaching him for some time, the former Juventus manager penned a new deal at the club, however rather tellingly it brought no extension, just a change of terms and most likely a pay rise.
Since lifting the title Conte has allowed no room for complacency. Having lifted the trophy it was almost instantly forgot about from his perspective and the focus switched to this season, which gets underway in earnest when Sean Dyche and his Burnley side visit the home of the champions this weekend.
Before the Clarets come to Stamford Bridge, however, there are a few concerns the former Azzurri boss needs to clear up. Ever since the start of the summer there have been rumblings of discontent from Conte’s side of things.
It is clear, in Romelu Lukaku joining Manchester United and Leonardo Bonucci swapping Turin for Milan, that Conte has missed out on his top targets this summer, something for which he is laying the blame at the foot of the board.
With that in mind, the Blues boss has made no effort to hide his discontent at the matter and, in full knowledge of what happened the last time they won the title (finishing 10th along with the sacking of Jose Mourinho) and what that could bring for him.
It seems, then, that Conte is already planning for life after Chelsea – should the board not bend to his will and splash out on some further additions, which they realistically must to if they have any desire to retain their title, despite being just 7/2 to do so with betway.com.
Wantaway Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk is one who has been linked with a move to the capital, with the Blues’ pursuit aided by his handing in of a transfer request with just under three weeks left of the window.
While the Dutchman would be a fine addition, Conte seems desperate to strengthen in the wide positions, having so publically chased both Alex Sandro and the now Manchester City man Danilo, with the latest Chelsea transfer news on SportNation.com.
With that in mind, the board would be wise to throw all their money at his top pick for a new full-back, otherwise they could well be in for a tough run with their top manager.
Because of this, Chelsea are 3rd favourites with SportNation.bet to win the title, behind City and United, but ahead of Spurs and Arsenal, with Liverpool as long as 20/1 due to the potential departure of Coutinho.
