Conte Anticipates Sack Ahead Of FA Cup Final Tie With Man U

TONY BANKS

Antonio Conte has admitted he could be sacked by Chelsea even if he wins the FA Cup.

But the Chelsea manager insists he is a bigger hero this season than last, when his team lifted the Premier League title.

Conte, whose side has endured a difficult campaign, finishing fifth in the league and missing out on Champions League football next season, has had a running battle all season with the board over transfers.

But whatever his fate, he is determined to finish the season on a high today with a win over his bitter rival, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

Conte, linked with a move back to his homeland to take the reins at either of the Milan clubs or Napoli, said: “Sometimes you can win but the club decides to sack you anyway because they have a reason to.

“Last season we were heroes for Chelsea’s fans. Now our status, me and the players, has changed. But in my soul and my heart, I’m always a hero because I gave 120 per cent this season to solve the problems.

“Our job is very difficult. This season, I worked better than last. And, for sure, I worked harder.

“I didn’t change my commitment to the club. That has always been the same. I don’t know if something changed.”

Conte, who seems certain to be replaced after the final with Chelsea’s search for their 11th permanent manager under owner Roman Abramovich already underway, added: “When you have positive situations, it’s simple. When you have negative, then you must be prepared to work very hard and improve.

“Last season was wonderful. We did fantastic work with the players. But when you win that way, you go at 300kph, or you go at normal velocity and don’t risk burning your engine.

“When you win, you must understand which is the best way to improve. If you are clever, you understand what is wrong.

“You must divide the responsibility, positive or negative, with three parts: club, manager and players. Last season we were heroes. This season we are, I don’t know what, but I don’t care. I just want to win.”

Mourinho added: “Honestly I don’t know what Antonio’s situation is. Sometimes I read that it is Antonio’s last match, the other one is coming, Luis Enrique is coming, but until it’s official I don’t know.

“If it is his last match or not, I don’t think it will change at all his approach to the game and his desire to make it through and to win.”

Mourinho, who has won the FA Cup once, with Chelsea in 2007 when his side beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s United, has triumphed in 12 out of 15 finals in his career with various clubs.

“The only thing I can say is that I like to play the matches, and that is the way you have to approach finals,” he said.

“You shouldn’t go to finals less than very happy. If you gave me the choice of finishing the match against Watford last week and then going on holiday, or working one more week to play a beautiful final, of course I would rather play a beautiful final.

You have to be happy, not nervous, not tense.”