Diego Simeone was first-choice
Chelsea are set to appoint Antonio Conte as their new manager, despite the Italian coach not being the first choice for the job.
Conte, 46, has reportedly agreed to join the Blues in the summer after the club look set to miss out on a Champions League spot.
However, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich told Conte he wasn’t first choice for the job, according to reports.
It’s believed that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was the club’s first-choice, but he snubbed the role in February. A football expert has revealed on Twitter that Chelsea contacted Simeone, Massimiliano Allegri, Jorge Sampaoli and Manuel Pellegrini.
Sampaoli and Pellegrini were the first to be cut from the list, which was then followed by Allegri committing to Juventus and Simeone then committing to Atletico.
The ex-Juventus boss has been out of club management since 2014 however is keen to return. Conte is eager to take on the challenge at the London outfit in the summer.
Chelsea set to appoint Conte
One man who won’t be returning to the Bridge is Rafa Benitez, he joined relegation candidates Newcastle this afternoon.
by @Jackbarrow1901
