Antonio Conte has yet to meet with Steven Zhang to discuss the plans of the team. The summit was expected to happen multiple times over the last week, but there is plenty of uncertainty about it. The chairman may no longer consider it necessary because the coach has been informed of the situation in previous talks, SportMediaset reports.
The four-time scudetto winning manager is happy to stay and wants to open a new cycle. On the other hand, he wants to be reassured that ownership is on the same page and will provide reinforcements to be more competitive in the Champions League. Besides the expected reduction of the payroll, the sale of a top player to improve the club’s financial situation can not be ruled out at this stage.
Conte is under contract for another season and is by far the highest-earning coach in Serie A with his €13.5M net salary. He has not addressed his future directly, as he has not spoken to the press in a month. His assistant Christian Stellini recently stated: “A top coach deserves a top project.” The technical staff voiced some concerns because the location and the date for the pre-season training camp and the summer friendlies have not been set.
Steven Zhang will be in Milan for about 20 more days before heading back to China. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the brass believes that it is now up to the gaffer to decide whether he wants to continue or not. The president and Conte could meet to clear the air without much notice in a secret location at any time.