THERE is no arguing with Antonio Conte’s popularity among Chelsea’s supporters, even after a season in which the club, title winners under the Italian in his first season, struggled to match their opponents this time around.

This FA Cup victory on Saturday was forged from the resilient character shown by his team, an attitude Conte himself has had to display on several occasions this season as he bemoaned the perceived lack of support shown by the club to him in the transfer market.

One would think this victory, courtesy of Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty, strengthens his position. However, as we have seen before, the Chelsea hierarchy does not fear moving managers on — even those with the popularity factor that Conte has.