Contrary to reports that Chelsea are set to replace Antonio Conte with former Barcelona coach, the club look set to stick with their manager despite latest heavy defeat at the hands of Watford on Monday night. According to Sky Sports, whilst Conte's future at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer looks bleak, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is against employing a short-term fix ahead of a busy few weeks with matches against both Manchester clubs and two against Barcelona.


According to the report, Conte will be given time to turn Chelsea's fortunes around after a difficult period, capped with defeats against Bournemouth and Watford.


Relations between Conte and the Chelsea board continue to be strained. As far back as last summer, he complained openly he was not being backed in the transfer window. The club had also raised concern about his infamous text message to Diego Costa, triggering his return to Atletico Madrid.


The Club's fortune has continued to nosedive. After being knocked out of the Carling cup by Arsenal, the club have suffered Premier league defeats in the hands of Bournemouth and Watford, as they now trail league leaders with 19 points.