Chelsea are confident that they will not be forced to replace Antonio Conte this summer but have earmarked former Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique as a potential successor, reports The Daily Telegraph.
The Premier League champions have no intention of allowing Conte to leave the club this summer and remain calm about the situation despite the fact he is reportedly frustrated by the club’s lack of action in the transfer window.
Conte still hasn’t signed an improved contract at Stamford Bridge and his future will remain uncertain until that is sorted, although further talks are planned with the club’s hierarchy to make him the highest-paid manager in their history.
The former Juventus manager won the Premier League and led Chelsea to the FA Cup final in his first season in charge of the club and also led a shift in tactical thinking in England’s top-flight, after Chelsea enjoyed their success with a back three.
However, should things not go to plan then Chelsea have earmarked Enrique as a potential replacement for the 47-year-old.
Enrique has been out of work since stepping down as Barcelona manager at the end of last season and claimed he wanted a rest from football after three intense years at the Camp Nou.
The 47-year-old has previously been touted as a potential replacement for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal but links have ended since the Frenchman signed a new two-year deal at the end of May.
In three years as Barcelona manager Enrique only lost 21 matches, finishing with an impressive win ratio of 76.2%.
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