Desailly warns Chelsea against losing Conte
Former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly advises club owner Abramovich to consider changing up the squad this season, rather than replacing the manager.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is looking increasingly likely to part ways with the London club this summer after two years at the helm. However, Desailly warns against jumping the gun to blame the manager.
The former Chelsea defender advised that owner Roman Abramovich should be looking towards a restructure in the squad, rather than replacing Conte, that would mark the thirteenth managerial change of his ownership.
Speaking to 'Sportsmail', Desailly said: ''What was working last season with Conte cannot suddenly not work this season.'' He added: ''Before they've changed the coach, and changed the players. This time they should keep the coach and look to move four to five players on.''
The former France international said: ''It's been a collective failure at Chelsea this season. I don't think the situation that Chelsea are in is Conte's fault.''
Desailly also added that the loss of Matic last summer was ''massive''. He added: ''The system of three at the back did not work this season because Conte lost Matic. Matic fitted with N'Golo Kante at the time. Together they protected the defence like it was needed.''
Chelsea seem unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next season, as they are currently trailing 10 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with six matches remaining.