Gary Cahill wants Antonio Conte Chelsea uncertainty 'put to bed' after admitting speculation affected players

Gary Cahill wants Chelsea to put the uncertainty over Antonio Conte's future "to bed" as the Blues captain admitted the players have been affected by constant speculation about the managerial situation at the club.

Conte still has one year left on his contract at Chelsea, but it is widely expected the Italian will depart the west London side this summer despite leading the Blues to the Premier League and, on Saturday, the FA Cup titles in his two seasons in charge.

The Cup win over Manchester United came after Chelsea ended their Premier League campaign in disappointing circumstances with a 3-0 loss away to Newcastle, which means the club finished in fifth place and will not be playing in the Champions League next term.

Cahill revealed the constant speculation over Conte's long-term future at Chelsea affected the players over the last few months, and urged the club to sort out the managerial situation swiftly.

When asked if the Chelsea players had been affected by the lack of certainty that Conte will still be in charge next season, Cahill told reporters: "Certainly we feel the sense of uncertainty.

"That’s obvious to everyone in the last few months. Obviously as players we have no impact on that situation. If I was a betting man, I’m sure the club and the manager will have spoken. Let’s see.

"I’m sure the manager will make the best decision for himself and his family and the club will make what they feel is the best decision. It’s totally out of our hands.

"All I can say is it’s been a great finish. If the manager stays on then he stays on; if he doesn’t then he’s gone away with an FA Cup.

"I think that’s something that everyone at the club can be proud of, even the people who you don’t see behind the scenes but who work tirelessly every day. It’s a long slog in the season. Everyone feels like we’ve got the reward, and now we’re going to celebrate and have a good time."

When asked what he would like to see happen at Chelsea in the summer, Cahill said: "Probably the uncertainty to be put to bed and whatever’s going to happen to happen. We’ll see what happens. It’s out of our hands.

"We have to try and deliver on the pitch. We fell short in some aspects of the season but today we produced, and the rest behind the scenes is not down to us. A lot of the lads have got big summers ahead."

Chelsea will not be playing Champions League football next term for the second time in four years, but Cahill believes the club is in a "healthy" state - proven by the number of trophies they've won in recent seasons.

"Of course it’s not the Premier League - that wasn’t to be, Manchester City have been different class this year - and obviously we’d like to be in the Champions League positions, but surely you’re judging clubs by what they win over periods of years," he added.

"Judging by us week in week out our form can be up and down, but over a long period of time you get a proper average of what’s going on. I think this football club is very healthy."