Just a few days before last season’s FA Cup final, Antonio Conte was in a Stamford Bridge executive box, posing for photographs with the Premier League trophy and looking every bit the Chelsea champion. This year, the picture has changed but, as he takes his team to Wembley again, the head coach insists his status as a club “hero” is secure, even if his job is not.

Conte admits Chelsea could sack him, even if he lifts the Cup, and the contrast to his situation almost 12 months ago is stark. Then, as he looked forward to the final and warmly discussed his family’s plans to move to England full-time, the Italian was head and shoulders above his rivals.

He had masterminded a miracle title success, breaking records in the process, and the club were strong favourites to sweep aside Arsenal and complete the double. But the final instead proved to be a prelude to the breakdown in trust and relationships with those above him and key players that is expected to cost Conte his job, whatever the outcome against Manchester United.

“Sometimes you can win but the club decides to sack you anyway because they have a reason to do this,” said Conte. “For sure, I’m very pleased about my work. Also this season, because I think, this season, I worked better than last season. And, for sure, I worked harder than last season.