Antonio Conte has just given a pretty shell-shocked interview after the debacle at St James’ Park.
Asked for explanations about why things had gone so badly wrong, Conte wouldn’t – or couldn’t – think of a single thing to say. He didn’t defend his team, or their performance. He didn’t even deny that Newcastle’s players with nothing to play for, had looked more determined and motivated than his.
Conte on not qualifying for UCL: "I am the last person to speak about this, you can ask the club" #CFC #NEWCHE
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) May 13, 2018
He said it was his last Premier League game at Chelsea this season, and when asked about the next he simply said he had a contract for another year.
Conte is asked if the club want him to stay: "I have a contract, the club know very well the situation. After Saturday, we go on vacation and then we will see for next season" #CFC #NEWCHE
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) May 13, 2018
He has never looked more like a man who is desperate to be sacked, as he avoided saying anything that might lead to him losing his payoff, he deliberately offered no defence of the dreadful performance.
He has one game left as Chelsea boss, and even that may now be in doubt. Can the club really avoid dismissing the Italian before then?
