Chelsea may have started dropping points for the first time in Antonio Conte’s reign, but overall, Roman Abramovich will no doubt be delighted with his acquisition of the former Italy manager.
Until the 2-2 draw with Swansea and the 2-1 home defeat to Liverpool, the Blues were unbeaten, looking largely rejuvenated under the new man in the Stamford Bridge hot seat.
However, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the dugout could have looked very different this season – not least because it could have been occupied by none other than Diego Simeone.
The Atletico Boss reportedly met Chelsea chiefs in the summer, with his Madrid future looking increasingly uncertain. The Argentine has publicly admitted he has recently reduced his contract by two years, so he will come far more cheaply if any club makes an approach for him next summer.
The thought of him in the Premier League would certainly have been a tantalising prospect, albeit one which will now have to wait.
Conte will no doubt be displeased that this has come out now, just when the first cracks are showing in his reign, but if anything, it will just up the ante for him to perform – or else, he knows who could be waiting in the wings to take over.
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