Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has endured a mixed start to the Blues’ title defence and they sit nine points off league leaders Manchester City.

The west London club romped to the Premier League title last season but this term have struggled to balance both domestic and European duties.

Chelsea were thrashed 3-0 at Roma in the Champions League last night and there are concerns the players are unhappy with Conte’s work-heavy training methods.

Conte was linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge in the summer and was eventually appeased with an improved contract.

But reports in Spain claim all is not well at the club and that Abramovich is ready to act.

Newspaper Marca report that Conte has barely spoken to Abramovich in recent weeks.

Instead, communication with the top echelons at Chelsea goes through director Marina Granovskaia.

Marca claim Conte is aware that Chelsea are already considering their options for next season.

The Blues sit fourth in the table but Manchester City’s stellar start to the campaign has left everyone else trailing in their wake.

It is claimed Abramovich will do the same with Conte as he did to Roberto Di Matteo and sack the manager when the time is right.

Marca do not speculate over who could replace the Italian, who is supposed hopeful of turning the club’s fortunes around.