Perhaps we should have expected a Chelsea collapse at St James’ Park on Sunday. The manner of Antonio Conte’s pre-match comments suggested that the Blues would suffer from a lack of motivation against Newcastle United, even with a place in the top four on the line. The Italian was distant, detached and not in the least bit bothered.
This attitude manifested itself in the performance of his players on the pitch, with the Blues falling to a heavy 3-0 defeat. Ultimately, the result was irrelevant in the pursuit of a top four place as Liverpool thumped Brighton to secure Champions League qualification for themselves, but Chelsea’s display in the North-East said a lot about where the club is at the moment.
It’s been this way for the majority of the season. Almost as soon as last season concluded, almost as soon as the blue ribbons had stopped fluttering on the Premier League trophy after Chelsea’s title win, the vibrancy was gone from Conte. The irrepressible character of Conte, the personality that had led Chelsea to the top of the Premier League pile, was worn away by frustration. He has been a different man this season.
In all likelihood, Conte will leave Stamford Bridge this summer. It’s what he wants and Chelsea have no other choice but to dismiss the Italian. Many suspect that Conte would have accepting his sacking as long ago as last summer. He never truly committed to the task of defending Chelsea’s Premier League crown, essentially throwing in the towel before a ball had even been kicked in competitive anger.
Saturday’s clash with Manchester United presents Conte with the chance to cap his time in England, tallying up a Premier League title and an FA Cup over two years at Chelsea. Even if United come out on top at Wembley this Saturday, Conte can reflect on a job well done by virtue of an unexpected title win in his debut Premier League season.
Conte will face no shortage of suitors, with speculation linking him with a return to Juventus. But the 48-year-old has disgraced himself with his attitude this season. He has tainted his own reputation by giving up on Chelsea so early in the campaign, by letting his frustration get the better of him, by allowing that to manifest itself in his players.
This is a black mark on his record as a manager. While Conte might have legitimate frustrations over the way Chelsea are run as a club, he will find a similar structure at many top clubs around Europe. His conduct this season could put off suitors. This time last year, Conte was deemed a miracle worker. He’s seen in a rather different light now.
