Antonio Conte has revealed he is open to extending his Chelsea stay but wants the club to come out and back him to put an end to speculation linking him with a summer exit.
The Italian’s position at Stamford Bridge has been in doubt since the end of last season and there is reportedly a feeling from within Chelsea that this will be Conte’s last term.
Conte put pen to paper on a new deal in the summer after leading Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season in charge but only agreed a wage hike rather than extend the length of his contract.
Chelsea have reportedly lined up former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique if Conte does leave at the end of the season, but the 48-year-old has hinted he would prefer to stay.
“I must be honest, when there are these type of rumours or speculation after the first game of the season against Burnley. Maybe I’d like the club to prepare a statement for me to say they trust me in my work and my job,” the London Evening Standard quote Conte as saying.
“But, at the same time, I know this never happened in the past, so why should I hope for something different? But, for sure, I’d like to have a statement of support against this speculation.
“The challenge is that, in the past, this never happened. So it’s a big challenge to change the approach now. But, for sure, I’d be glad. You only have one person to speak [to make this happen].”
Chelsea have only won two of their last nine matches in all competitions after losing 3-0 at home to Bournemouth in their last match.
Conte’s side are currently one point above Tottenham in fourth but have the chance to bolster their claim for a top-four finish when they travel to Watford on Monday evening.
The Hornets are winless in their last five league games and now only three points above the relegation zone despite making a fine start to the season.
