Shock news emerged from Stamford Bridge on Monday as it was reported that Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo had resigned from his position.
The 52-year-old has been with the Blues for 10 years and would undoubtedly have been a key piece in the structure of the club for owner Roman Abramovich, who will surely be disappointed to see him go having worked with him for so long.
However, as reported by The Telegraph, the decision to leave the club has been taken and it remains to be seen whether or not that turns out to be a positive or negative development for Antonio Conte.
As noted above, it’s unclear at this stage as to how this decision will affect the decision-making process and structure at Chelsea, as Emenalo was known to have played a crucial role in recruitment as well as overseeing Chelsea’s scouting network and academy programme.
In turn, there’s a significant hole left by him, and while there has been plenty of speculation of tension and discord between Conte and the hierarchy after a frustrating summer transfer window and an inconsistent start to the campaign, as noted by the Telegraph, the Italian tactician will be hoping for a smooth transition to continue his role and perhaps even take on more responsibility.
It’s quite clear what the Chelsea supporters think though, or at least a vast majority of those who reacted to the news on Twitter on Monday afternoon, with many delighted to see Emenalo step down, as seen in the tweets below.
On one hand he did help bring plenty of talented players to the club, albeit it didn’t always work out for them, and he’s been involved during a very successful period for Chelsea having won numerous trophies over the last 10 years. However, for Blues fans below at least, it’s a decision that benefits the club…
Emenalo has quit ahahahahahaha this club is saved@@@!!!@!!1 down now just Marina to go
— Brian (@BRlANFC) November 6, 2017
Chelsea beat utd & Emenalo leaves Chelsea the day after. I LOVE THIS GAME.
— ? (@HazardEdition) November 6, 2017
Conte kicking Emenalo out like ?? pic.twitter.com/SQqfSYGMnI
— KTBFFH ??? (@PB11_ChelseaFC) November 6, 2017
Conte is ruthless ahahahaha he bullied Emenalo out of the club, I think he's surpassed Mou as my favourite manager now
— Brian (@BRlANFC) November 6, 2017
EMENALO IS GONE!!!!!! THE DAY IS FINALLY HERE!!!!! YEEEESSSSSS!!!!! FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY! THANK YOU!
— Younes H-Hamou (@youneshh) November 6, 2017
Sunday 29th October: Abramovich visits Conte
Sunday 5th November: Chelsea 1-0 United
Monday 6th: Emenalo resigns.
FORZA ANTONIOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/WVsB1WElHG
— Uber Chelsea FC ? (@UberCheIseaFC) November 6, 2017
Finally #Emenalo goes! Added absolutely nothing to us as a club. Useless at talent development and scouting #CFC.
— Alexander Griffin (@AlexUKGriffin) November 6, 2017
Emenalo out!!! What a victory for Antonio Conte!!???? #ForzaConte
— Lampsy (@hlampsy) November 6, 2017