Chelsea are facing one of their biggest summers of the Roman Abramovich era as Antonio Conte fights to save his reputation before his anticipated departure.

Apart from facing up to the prospect of having to sack and hire yet another head coach, Abramovich and his board must find a new technical director to replace Michael Emenalo who quit last November.

There are also doubts over the futures of as many as nine first-team players, including Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois who may not sign new contracts if Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Sources close to the club expect owner Abramovich will take a hands on role this summer to try to ensure Chelsea do not fall further behind their rivals.

Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur has left Chelsea eight points behind fourth-placed Spurs and contemplating having to plan for a full Europa League campaign for the first time.

Chelsea hope to convince Hazard and Courtois to sign new deals, but that will be made much more difficult without Champions League football to offer them.

Courtois will have 12 months remaining on his deal at the end of the season and Hazard will have two years left on his contract, with Real Madrid eyeing up a summer bid.