Jamie Carragher: Antonio Conte exit a big blow for the Premier League

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has said that the departure of Antonio Conte from Chelsea is a big blow to the Premier League. The Italian manager guided the Blues to Premier League and FA Cup success during his two seasons at Stamford Bridge but he was nevertheless sacked amid his shrewd relationship with the club’s hierarchy.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher admitted that Conte’s dismissal is a huge loss for the top-flight after the Italian’s three-at-the-back formation became popular with most clubs associated with the country, he said: “Losing Antonio Conte is a big blow for the Premier League. I think he's been brilliant. He changed to three at the back at Chelsea and it seemed like the whole country changed to it - even England did. He's had a major impact in English football. To come in and win the league then the FA Cup in your first two years is some achievement.”

Conte had been tipped to be sacked shortly after the Blues’ FA Cup final win over Manchester United in May but the decision was postponed amid the club’s delay to find a replacement. However, after more than 45 days, the west London giants finally reached an agreement to pursue Maurizio Sarri and his compatriot’s arrival coincided with his dismissal from the club.

Nevertheless, the move has not come on the cheap for Chelsea, considering they have had to compensate nearly £15m in terms of compensation for both Sarri and Conte. The Blues have most-recently completed their first summer signing with Jorginho making the move from Napoli and he could soon be joined by national teammate Daniele Rugani from Juventus. Rugani’sclubmate Gonzalo Higuain has also been linked with the Blues with Alvaro Morata potentially heading in the opposite direction in a straight exchange deal.