Conte’s desire to keep Courtois happy has forced Abramovich to back down over Lollichon

Antonio Conte has won his first major battle as Chelsea manager by forcing the removal of Christophe Lollichon as the club’s goalkeeping coach.

Lollichon will be replaced at Stamford Bridge by Conte’s goalkeeper coach from the Italian national team, Gianluca Spinelli, in a move that should ensure Thibaut Courtois stays at the club.

Conte asked for Lollichon to be sidelined at the request of Courtois following the Italian’s appointment at Chelsea three months ago, a demand which was initially rejected by Roman Abramovich, who rates Lollichon highly. The Frenchman has worked at Chelsea for nine years, initially with Petr Cech, but fell out with Courtois last season after the Belgium goalkeeper blamed him for a knee injury he sustained while lifting weights before training.

Lollichon, right, on the Chelsea bench during Carlo Ancelotti’s spell as manager TONY O’BRIEN/ACTION IMAGES

Conte’s