Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte has disclosed that the departure of former Super Eagles defender, Michael Emenalo from his position as The Blues’ technical director affected the club and caused their poor form in the season.
In the wake of Chelsea’s last match away to Newcastle United on Sunday, Conte admitted that the departure of Emenalo left a huge void at Stamford Bridge and led to most of the lapses they suffered during the campaign.
Emenalo’s niche for youth development saw him bring talented youngsters as well sign established stars for the London club during his stay there, working as an astute director for the coaching staff and club hierarchy, a sound disposition which led to quantum successes for the club.
The USA ’94 World Cup Eagles defender ended a 10-year association with the Blues in November 2017 despite speculations that Roman Abramovich had tried to lull him to stay on.
Emenalo has since joined forces with French Ligue 1 club, AS Monaco as their transfer director but Conte has now reflected on their days together and rues the fact that his departure had a huge effect on Chelsea’s not-so-satisfactory season.
“To lose Michael, it was a big loss for us, yes. I think so, I think so. Also because Michael did a great job for this club for many years. Last season he helped me a lot during the season.
”This season, until he left, he helped me a lot. I remember very well he left just after the Manchester United game … For me, for sure, it was a big loss in November,” Conte submitted.
