Why Conte would be ‘very happy’ to risk being sacked

Antonio Conte has laughed off the suggestion that the sackings of Jose Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri mean his job could be at risk if he leads Chelsea to the title.

Conte was cheekily asked at a press conference on Friday if he felt the fate of two of his predecessors at Stamford Bridge did not bode well for him.

Mourinho was axed seven months after guiding Chelsea to the title in 2015, while former Blues boss Ranieri has been controversially shown the door by Leicester, having won last season’s Premier League with the Foxes.

Conte said: “If we are able to reach this dream, I’m ready to face this risk. I’m very happy to, if it means we won the league!”

Conte’s side, who are at home to Swansea on Saturday, are eight points clear at the top.

“I’m really focused about this season,” the Italian added.

“There are 13 games to the end of the season and we want to stay at the top of the table, but it won’t be easy.”