Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in bid to stop rift between Antonio Conte and players following David Luiz's axe for clash against Manchester United
- Roman Abramovich is increasing his involvement in the running of Chelsea
- Questions have been raised over Antonio Conte's relationship with David Luiz
- It is understood Luiz's axe comes after he questioned the Italian in training
- The stand-off has raised concerns of a rift between the manager and his squad
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is investigating whether there is a growing problem between manager Antonio Conte and the players.
The Russian billionaire is increasing his involvement in the day-to-day running of the club following the resignation of technical director Michael Emenalo on Monday.
Sportsmail understands Abramovich, who visited Chelsea’s Cobham HQ last week, has already made enquiries over the relationship between Conte and his squad.
Roman Abramovich is increasing his involvement in the day-to-day running of Chelsea
Having fallen out with Diego Costa last season before selling him in the summer, question marks are being raised over Conte’s relationship with David Luiz. The Brazilian was axed from the squad that beat Manchester United on Sunday.
Despite Conte’s insistence that the decision was tactical, it is understood the axe came after Luiz questioned the Italian in training last week.
But while Abramovich is not questioning Conte’s handling of the Luiz situation, the latest stand-off has raised concerns of a rift between the manager and his squad.
Abramovich knows all about the problems that can be caused by a rift within the club.
Questions are being raised over Antonio Conte's relationship with centre back David Luiz
Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2015 due, in part, to a split between himself and the players.
In confirming Mourinho’s dismissal two years ago, Emenalo admitted there was a ‘palpable discord’ between the Portuguese and the squad.
Abramovich is seeking to discover if there is a similar problem with Conte, particularly after the two high-profile spats with Costa and Luiz.
The Brazilian was axed from Chelsea's squad for Sunday's match against Manchester United
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