Uncertainty Shrouds Chelsea Despite FA Cup Win over United
LONDON (AP) — Chelsea's players saved their season but maybe not their manager.
Collecting the FA Cup, after beating Manchester United 1-0 on Saturday, is looking like Antonio Conte's final act with Chelsea.
"After two years, the club knows me very well," Conte said. "And if they continue to want to work with me they know I can't change. My way is always the same."
Having won three Serie A titles at Juventus before capturing the English Premier League trophy for Chelsea, Conte reminded the Chelsea hierarchy: "I'm a serial winner."
It was a bullish sign-off to a lackluster season that saw the Italian's relationship with Chelsea's leadership become increasingly strained as the team went from champions to fifth in the Premier League.
Wembley match-winner Eden Hazard also has a decision to make: Whether to pursue a transfer.
After raising doubts about his Chelsea future ahead of the final — demanding "good players" are signed in the offseason — Hazard produced the only goal from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute.
On the pitch, amid the celebrations, Hazard said nothing to demonstrate his commitment to the club.
Such was the focus on the gloomy Premier League campaign and looming offseason of uncertainty in the post-match interviews, it was easy to forget Chelsea had just picked up a trophy.
Conte's first cup final victory in coaching meant former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho finished his second season at United empty-handed, paying the price for an insipid first-half display and coming to life only after the break.
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