Chelsea will have a new manager for their clash against Hyundai A-League outfit Perth Glory later this month after it was announced Antonio Conte had left the club on Friday night (AEST).
The 48-year-old Italian leaves the Blues after just two seasons, where he guided them to a Premier League title and last season’s FA Cup with a win over Manchester United in the final.
READ: Chelsea gearing up for Glory friendly
HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE: Click here to see the full 2018/19 Draw
It’s understood ex-Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri will take the reins at Stamford Bridge, with his first game in charge to be the friendly against Glory at the new Optus Stadium on Monday, July 23.
Chelsea begin their build-up to the new Premier League season in Australia and are expected to arrive in Perth next Thursday.
Thank you Mister for another Premier League title and FA Cup. It wasn’t easy for me to convince you in the beginning but in the end I hope I did you proud! Good luck for the future. #CFC
— Cesc FÃ bregas Soler (@cesc4official) July 12, 2018
While many of Chelsea’s legion of superstars are unlikely to travel due to their involvement in the FIFA World Cup™, they will still boast some world-class talent.
The likes of Spanish stars Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Marcos Alonso, as well as Brazil defender David Luiz and Englishmen Ross Barkley and Danny Drinkwater should all feature against Glory.
The Premier League side is likely to hold an open training session for fans to watch them train on the Saturday before the match.
Up to 60,000 fans are expected to attend the match at Optus Stadium, in what will be Chelsea’s second match in Australia in three years after a 1-0 win over Sydney FC in 2015.
