Antonio Conte can't have too many complaints if he loses his job at Chelsea manager in the coming days.
That's according to ex-Irish international Gary Breen, who joined the lads on OTB AM on this morning's show.
Conte's time at Chelsea is in big danger of coming to an end after just over 18 months following a run of successive defeats in the Premier League left them fighting for a place in the top 4.
A 3-0 loss at home to Bournemouth on Wednesday was followed by last night's 4-1 defeat at Watford - a result that leaves them just a point ahead of Tottenham in 4th place.
It marks a severe slump in form for the defending champions, who won the title in such convincing fashion last season. After an inconsistent first few months in charge, a change to a 3-4-3 formation marked the beginning of a brilliant spell at Stamford Bridge, where they eventually won the title with a mammoth 93 points.
But this season has been plagued by in-fighting regarding the club's transfer policy, as players like Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa made way with replacements Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alvaro Morata so far failing to reach the same heights.
Chelsea players look dejected after their loss to Watford last night(AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Speaking on this morning show Breen pointed to Conte's handling of the Costa transfer as the first warning signs that all may not be well at the club.
"Costa would have had a lot of friends in that Chelsea squad", explained Breen. "For Conte of a man of his experience to foolishly text that message, he really undermined the club’s position in trying to sell him because they really struggled to get a valuable fee for him."
"They ended up getting a good one but there just seems to be so many mistakes made by Conte - trying to take on the board, the owner, that’s never going to materialise in his favour. Now we are seeing obviously a very demonstrative, passionate man, but a temperamental man as well. So I don’t see this ending well."
However Breen thinks the players aren't entirely blameless in the affair, saying the "infuriating way they downed tools for Jose Mourinho" could easily happen again.
You watch the full interview below, as well as discussions on Kerry football, Kilkenny hurling and Irish racing coverage.
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