Chelsea's Gary Cahill celebrates after winning the FA Cup final. Andrew Yates / Reuters
Chelsea's Gary Cahill celebrates after winning the FA Cup final. Andrew Yates / Reuters
Chelsea's Gary Cahill celebrates after winning the FA Cup final. Andrew Yates / Reuters
Chelsea's Gary Cahill celebrates after winning the FA Cup final. Andrew Yates / Reuters

Gary Cahill: Chelsea must make quick decision on Antonio Conte's future


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Chelsea captain Gary Cahill has called for "the uncertainty to be put to bed" over the future of manager Antonio Conte.

The London side beat Manchester United 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday as Conte completed the season with a second trophy in English football, after winning the Premier League title in his first campaign.

A fifth-placed finish, missing out on Champions League qualification, has added to speculation the FA Cup final will be Conte's last match as manager at the club after an at-times fractious campaign.

Cahill believes a decision must be made one way or the other.

Asked what it would take for the side who finished fifth in the Premier League this season to move on and make the necessary close-season preparations, Cahill said: "Probably for the uncertainty to be put to bed and for whatever's going to happen to happen.

"It's out of our hands. We have to try to deliver on the pitch. We fell short in some aspects this season but (on Saturday) we produced. The rest behind the scenes is not down to us."

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Read more

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Chelsea's FA Cup final win proves to Antonio Conte that he is a 'serial winner'

Eden Hazard penalty sees off Manchester United as Chelsea win FA Cup

Richard Jolly: Cup title key for Conte as he faces end at Chelsea but perhaps with nowhere to go

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Conte signed an improved contract last summer - but not an extension - to his three-year deal which expires in June 2019.

And after winning the FA Cup the Italian said he "can't change" and is a "serial winner", effectively calling for the club, owned by Roman Abramovich, to back him or fire him.

"Us, as players, we don't have any impact on that situation," Cahill added.

"I'm sure, if I was a guessing man, they obviously will have spoken, between the club and the manager. And let's see.

"I'm sure the manager will make the best decision for himself and his family. And I'm sure the club will make the best decision they feel.

"It's totally out of our hands. All I can say is it's been a great finish. If the manager stays on next year, he stays on.

"If he doesn't, he's gone away with a Premier League and FA Cup. I think that's something everyone at the club can be proud of.

"We really had to win this game to save the season. And when I say that I don't mean save it and all of a sudden it's a massive success.

"At the same time it's an FA Cup and we've won a trophy this year, which a number of teams haven't managed to do.

"When you look at it in terms of last year, Premier League title, and then the FA Cup it's not too bad.

"Over four years that's two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one runners-up. For me that's success."

Cahill paused before lifting the trophy when it was presented at the end of a week which saw him recalled by England, returning to the squad for the World Cup.

He won the 2012 FA Cup with Chelsea, but was injured for the final.

He added: "I wanted to remember the moment, without being too emotional about it.

"We're going to go and celebrate all together as a team, as a tight-knit family.

"You have to enjoy these moments. They don't come around every day. Who knows if there will be another FA Cup final? (You have to) enjoy the moment."

If you go

The flights

Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes. 

The hotel

Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.

The tour

The Shoreditch Street Art Tour costs from £15 (Dh73) per person for approximately three hours. 

Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

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