Antonio Conte 'waiting to be sacked', former Chelsea captain says

Former Chelsea captain Dennis Wise believes Antonio Conte is waiting to be dismissed by the Blues' hierarchy. The Italian looked subdued in his press conference following the Southampton win and Wise feels the end is near for the 48-year-old.

In a report covered by Sky Sports, Wise highlighted the manager's difficult situation whilst suggesting that Conte is waiting for the moment, he is sacked from the west London club.

He said: "It seems like he is waiting for the moment [he’s sacked]. He keeps saying “I’m trying my best… this is the situation, we try for the fans” but it’s the same tone.  It’s the same downness – the disappointing thing is it seems like he’s waiting [to be sacked]."

The Blues are currently out of contention for the Champions League positions with a seven-point gap to Tottenham Hotspur, and they can still salvage their season with a FA Cup triumph.

Chelsea face Southampton in the semi-final of the Cup competition next weekend, and the failure to seal a victory in that game may witness Conte sacked prior to the end of the season.