Head
coach Antonio Conte says he does not know if Branislav Ivanovic was playing
for Chelsea for the final time in Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup fourth round win
over Brentford.
Ivanovic scored his 34th Chelsea goal on his 377th appearance, amid
suggestions his nine-year stay at Stamford Bridge could come to an end
before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
The Serbia right-back, 33 next month and out of contract at the end of the
season, has not made a Premier League start since September.
"When one player has the habit to play every game and it happens that you
are not playing regularly, it's not easy to accept this decision," Conte
said.
"Ivan knows well the situation and I'm pleased if he remains here, if he
stays with us. But in this situation, for sure, the player must make the
best decision for him, for his family.
"Ivan deserves great respect for his career at Chelsea. He played a lot of
games, he won a lot with this team.
"I think we have to respect every decision."
Conte, whose side next play at Liverpool and at home to Arsenal in the
Premier League, declined to answer when asked if Ivanovic had requested a
move.
"I don't like to speak about my relationship with my players. I prefer to
keep my conversations not secret, but private."
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic made a number of key interventions to frustrate
Brentford.
Begovic, back-up to Thibaut Courtois, will be allowed to leave for
Bournemouth if Conte can identify a replacement. So far that has not proved
possible.
"It's not easy," Conte said. "There are three days to finish this transfer
window. We have some situations. We are seeing, but we are not close (to
replacing Begovic)."
Meanwhile, for the first time in four weeks, Brentford fielded striker Scott
Hogan, who came off the substitutes' bench but could not turn the match in
his side's favour.
Hogan has been linked with West Ham but no club has met his £15m valuation
yet and his future could be decided before Tuesday night, when the Bees play
Aston Villa.
Brentford head coach Dean Smith said: "We fear (a renewed bid for Hogan) all
the time. Whether it happens or not, I don't know.
"I'm thinking already about Aston Villa on Tuesday night and Scott's in
those plans.
"He's got a valuation which hasn't been met. Until it is then he'll remain a
Brentford player."
top