A 4-1 loss at Vicarage Road has ramped up the pressure on the 48-year-old Italian being the next Premier League manager to leave their position
Antonio Conte may have insisted he is not worried about his job at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea’s last two performances could spell the end of his tenure, according to the latest odds.
A lacklustre, ill-disciplined display against Watford resulted in a 4-1 defeat for the reigning Premier League champions. It was their second loss in a week following the 3-0 midweek reverse at the hands of Bournemouth.
As a result, Betfair are now 1/4 (1.25) that Conte – who led the Blues to the Premier League title last season – is the next top-flight boss to leave his position.
There are issues off the field too, with the Italian continuing his criticism of the club’s transfer policy, both in the summer and the January window.
Conte suggested that there was a need to focus on quality, rather than quantity and distanced himself from the inner workings of that side of the operation, which is now overseen by Marina Granovskaia following Michael Emenalo leaving the club last year.
Chelsea remain in fourth spot but are now just a point ahead of Tottenham in the race for Champions League qualification.
The visit of bottom club West Brom to Stamford Bridge next Monday could provide some much-needed respite for the Londoners but the latest odds suggest Conte might not be there to oversee the clash.
Overall, Chelsea have won just one of their last five in the Premier League and face a very tough run of fixtures following next week’s clash with the Baggies and an FA Cup meeting with Hull City.
Their next game sees Barcelona visit Stamford Bridge in the Champions League before back-to-back visits to both Manchester clubs.
That double header could prove pivotal in the race for a top four spot where the Blues have now drifted to 8/11 (1.73) with Betfair, while Spurs are into 4/6 (1.67). The pair meet on April 1st but the champions’ recent performances have given their fans few causes for optimism and time is not usually a luxury afforded to managers at Stamford Bridge – regardless of previous successes.
Arsenal, who sit four points behind Mauricio Pochettino’s side, are 5/1 (6.0) to finish in the top four places after their resounding win over Everton on Saturday evening.
Only one firm have a next Chelsea manager market priced up at the time of writing, with former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique 3/1 (4.0) favourite, with Guus Hiddink available at 10/1 (11.0). The Dutchman has stepped into this role as caretaker boss twice before and he will surely be a popular selection if Conte is indeed the next Premier League boss to leave.
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