Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit believes Antonio Conte has an opportunity of saving his job, should the Blues manager to knockout Barcelona from the Champions League. The Italian head coach has struggled to keep his side within Premier League contention this term, and a run of three defeats in four league games has increased speculation over his future.

Speaking to Omnisport, Gullit had a different perspective of the situation and cited that the 48-year-old could yet prolong his future at Stamford Bridge. According to the former Blues boss, Conte may need to concentrate on bagging a surprise win over Barcelona in the Champions League, which would enhance his reputation greatly among the Blues’ hierarchy.

He said:”If he gets Barcelona out of the Champions League, then it will be very difficult to replace him. He knows that, he knows also that the championship in England is difficult now to get. They know that as well. Manchester City have now won the EFL Cup so they have the confidence, it’s hard for them to lose any points [in the Premier League]… So the best thing is to focus yourself on the Champions League.”

Beating a club of Barcelona’s calibre would undoubtedly increase the morale for any footballing outfit, but Antonio Conte must be more concerned about the club’s chances of finishing in the top-four. Winning the Champions League is one route to returning to the same competition next term, but the Italian would still be optimistic of beating Tottenham Hotspur to the fourth spot.

Their recent lean run has seen them fall two points behind their London counterparts, and they face a potentially must-win game against Manchester City this weekend, though their chances are likely to be minute, considering the magnificent consistency, Pep Guardiola’s side have shown through the Premier League campaign.