The club has confirmed that Michael Emenalo has resigned from his position as Chelsea technical director.
The 52-year-old, one Roman Abramovich’s most trusted advisors, has left Chelsea after 10 years working across the scouting and technical departments amid reports of tensions between head coach Antonio Conte and the club’s hierarchy.
The former Notts County defender joined Chelsea in October 2007 and has been technical director since July 2011. He has already been linked with a position at Monaco.
The mooted power struggle behind the scenes, apparently born of differences of opinion over recruitment between Conte and the influential director Marina Granovskaia, appears to have taken its toll resulting in Emenalo’s stand down.
Chelsea said in a statement: “Chelsea Football Club today announces that technical director Michael Emenalo has decided to stand down from his role.”
Chelsea said Emenalo had “contributed to a period of unprecedented success for the first team and academy”.
Emenalo said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make, but one I believe is right for both myself and my family, and the club.
“I have had the privilege to work alongside some of the most talented people in the world of sport over the past 10 years, and I will depart incredibly proud of the achievements we have made.
“I wish Chelsea every success and look forward to following the club’s future triumphs from afar.”
Reacting to Emenalo’s departure Conte said: “I am very sorry to see Michael leave Chelsea, and I would like to thank him for all his help and support since I arrived at this club. I have enjoyed working with him very much, we celebrated a Premier League title together in May, and I wish him the very best for the future.”
