
Antonio
Conte has brought his impending exit from Chelsea upon himself, according to
Stephen Warnock.
The Blues head coach looks set to depart Stamford Bridge at the end of the
season having seen his side's hopes of Champions League qualification fade
with a draw against Huddersfield on Wednesday evening.
Despite reaching the FA Cup final, in which Chelsea will face Manchester
United on May 19, it appears the relationship between manager and boardroom
has become untenable.
Conte has refused to give much away when quizzed over his future, but
Warnock believes the former Italy manager's lack of enthusiasm may ensure
the decision is taken out of his hands.
"He's brought it upon himself with his attitude in press conferences, the
way he speaks," said the former Liverpool defender.
"When he was asked about his future next season, if he wants to be there he
says yes, it's as simple as that. He avoids the question, he doesn't want to
answer it.
"It tells me that he wants to leave the club, he's not happy with the
transfers that have been done this season, he's very disappointed at that,
he's made that public."
Conte has repeatedly expressed his disappointment at the club's failure to
allow him to build on his title-winning squad from last season.
One player Conte has been able to rely upon is Eden Hazard. The Belgium
winger is Chelsea's leading scorer this season with 16 goals in all
competitions.
However, Hazard has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona
and with Chelsea likely to miss out on Champions League football next
season, a move to one of the Spanish giants could become more attractive.
The identity of Chelsea's manager next season could decide whether Hazard
remains at the club, according to Tony Cottee.
"If Conte leaves, who's going to become the manager?" Cottee told Sky Sports
News. "That will then dictate for Hazard what his decision is."
"He's still in the prime of his career, he could sign a four or five-year
deal. He's good enough to go and play for Real Madrid, Barcelona, anyone in
the world he can go and play for."
"He will want to perform for Belgium at the World Cup, he'll want to know
who the next Chelsea manager is, or is the current manager staying, then
he'll make his decision."