Former Juventus and Italy boss Antonio Conte will be Chelsea’s sixth in the last seven years to grace the touchline at Stamford Bridge. For the 47-year-old coach, the challenge is slightly more daunting compared to what his predecessors experienced: not for once in this millennium have Chelsea finished as badly as they did in the last season, in 10th position.
Having limped to the weakest title defense in the English Premier League’s 24-year-old history, there are cries for wholesale changes. The very same side that won the league title on a canter in 2015 looked a slow, jaded outfit, struggling to buy a win. Not many people could put a finger on what triggered Chelsea’s collapse. There were speculations of a dressing room revolt from some of the key players, there were some who pointed out a collective loss of form from front to back. For others, it simply was an end of a cycle of sorts with some of the senior players. Fatigue may have played a part too with many of the star names playing almost every single game during their title-winning campaign in 2014-'15.
As has always been the case, the coach paid the price it: Jose Mourinho was fired midway through the season. This is unfamiliar territory for Chelsea. For the first time in the Roman Abramovich era that started in 2003, Chelsea won’t be a part of any European competition. Conte himself is no spring chicken. Over the last five years, he etched his name in the managerial elite list. Winning three back-to-back Serie A titles at Juventus, which included an unbeaten season, Conte comes with a lofty reputation, armed with a winning mentality. He comes into the Blues’ setup after a creditable display from Italy in the European Championships. Being talked about in the same breath as Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti is no mean feat. The Italian gaffer has also gained a reputation as a tough, uncompromising taskmaster. Andrea Pirlo, his former player, described him as a “beast with two wives”. In a room full of stalwarts, there is every chance that this approach may bite the dust.
Chelsea’s player power
Even in the past, there have been fingers that were pointed at a certain group of players deliberately under-performing to get a manager sacked. To add to the intrigue, Chelsea have finished strongly in the second half of the season every time a manager has been sacked midway. With all the big teams strengthening in terms of personnel and management, it is expected to be a race towards who sets the pace at the top of the pile.
With so much negativity that has stemmed from the alleged dressing room politics over the years, Conte could have easily dismantled the old guard. It looks like he has chosen to endear himself with them instead. Laying down the marker by handing out a contract extension to club legend and skipper, John Terry, he seems to have certainly won some fan support straight up. It is not like Mourinho lacked support from the dressing room either. If early impressions are anything to go by, "The Godfather" has decided to be a Michael Corleone than a Vito. The pre-season saw him searching for the best possible system with what he has over shoving players into what has worked for the Italian in the past. Conte calls himself a "tailor" who will make the "best dress" for the team.
Tactics
All eyes are on the way Chelsea are going to lineup this season. Conte has shown a penchant for 3-5-2 and has deployed it with great success at Juventus and Italy. Are Chelsea going to play with three at the back too? Traditionally, a flat back four has been the template for much of the Premier League’s history. It's also true that tactics have evolved over the years, and some of the most popular myths have been busted along the way – that Spaniards and South Americans can’t crack the Premier League or only a counter-attacking ethos ensures championship wins. Over the years, a one-striker formation has been in vogue in England. Leicester City, with minor tweaks, showed that the 4-4-2 is very much alive and kicking. Conte has been trying to deploy 4-2-4 system so far, which has landed mixed results. A back three has been laid to rest for now. With restless owners and instant results being a mantra that has engulfed the football world, a revolution is a concept too utopian for its ruthless demands.
Players
There is little doubt that it is a make or break season for some of them. Star player Eden Hazard was woeful last season. Though Diego Costa had a good run shortly after Mourinho’s exit last year, he remains an unhappy figure in South West London. Will Chelsea finally succumb to Atletico Madrid’s aggressive efforts to bring back their former employee? If there was one silver lining for Chelsea amidst the doom and gloom over their wretched league form, youth player Ruben Loftus-Cheek made a solid start with the senior team. The 20-year-old midfielder was not the only young player who made an impact. Brazilian Kenedy and forward Bertrand Traore, too, shone when handed a chance.
Transfers
The reality of no European football didn’t stop Chelsea from getting some A-list names. Snapping up one of the best Premier League players from last season, Frenchman N’Golo Kante is the biggest name to have arrived at the Bridge so far. Unproven Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi, the first summer signing came for a steep £33 million. For the moment, the club are hot on the heels of defender Kalidou Koulibaly. There is also an attempt to re-sign Everton’s robust talisman, Romelu Lukaku.
Some say that one look at Conte can send a chill down the spine. He has shown that he can handle big egos and oversee the behind-the-scenes part of the job harmoniously. Chelsea will also be heartened to know that none of his former players have had a bad word to say about him. With a trophy-laden cabinet to boast of in a short career, it won’t be surprising if Conte is a success. Without the distraction of European football, there is a good chance that things will fall in place. The chances of the wheels coming off, as it has for Chelsea on many an occasion in the past, are also equally high.
Prediction: Second
It’s not new for Conte’s side to turn a corner. The pre-season indicates that the team is buying into his plans. With so many quality teams at the top, the ride will not be easy. However, the Premier League has been a happy hunting ground for Italian players and managers, who account for three of the last seven titles.
