Emenalo quits Chelsea in blow to Roman Abramovich

Roman Abramovich is set to lose a key ally at Chelsea with the news that technical director Michael Emenalo has quit his role at Stamford Bridge.

The Telegraph broke the news on Monday afternoon, reporting that the former Nigeria international has informed Abramovich of his wish to leave the club.

Emenalo, 52, has been influential in Chelsea’s recruitment over the past decade, helping to bring players like Eden Hazard to Stamford Bridge.

But the Telegraph reports that Antonio Conte’s unhappiness with Chelsea’s summer transfer activity has led to tension at the club. The paper reported:

“Chelsea suffered a frustrating summer transfer window, which caused tension between Conte, Emenalo and director Marina Granovskaia. Sources have suggested that Emenalo does not wish to engage in a three-way power battle with Conte and Granovskaia who are known not to see eye to eye.”

Conte was unhappy with the number of players purchased in the summer, leaving Chelsea’s squad too thin to compete for domestic and European honours.

The Italian’s own future is said to be in some doubt but Emenalo has beaten him out of the door. Emenalo joined Chelsea in 2007.