Chelsea face £9million bill to sack Antonio Conte and have concerns over nine first team players' futures

Chelsea Conte Courtois and Hazard
Chelsea risk losing several star players without the lure of Champions League football Credit: REUTERS / REUTERS / GETTY IMAGES

Chelsea are facing one of their biggest summers of the Roman Abramovich era as Antonio Conte fights to save his reputation before his anticipated departure.

Apart from facing up to the prospect of having to sack and hire yet another head coach, Abramovich and his board must find a new technical director to replace Michael Emenalo who quit last November.

There are also doubts over the futures of as many as nine first-team players, including Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois who may not sign new contracts if Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Sources close to the club expect owner Abramovich will take a hands on role this summer to try to ensure Chelsea do not fall further behind...

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