Antonio Conte’s press conference to preview Chelsea’s trip to Burnley was interrupted by a phone call from his wife.

The Chelsea manager, whose future remains the subject of speculation amid their struggles to secure a top-four finish, has often cut a frustrated figure in front of the media this season due to the Blues’ lack of progress and at what he considers a lack of investment in his squad.

Unusually, when his phone then rang and he had to turn it off to prevent further interruption, a wide smile appeared across his face and he began to laugh.

“It was my wife,” the 48-year-old said. “Always in the worst moment. I’m sorry.

“You can give me a fine! I’m sorry, because I would be annoyed if it happened to one of you.”

Antonio Conte File Photo
Antonio Conte has generally spent the season looking frustrated with life at the club

Chelsea visit Burnley in the knowledge that victory will reduce the gap to fourth-placed Tottenham to five points.

On Sunday they face Southampton, who they overcame 3-2 last week in the Premier League, at Wembley in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.