The 2015-16 season was supposed to be the season, where Chelsea were supposed to compete on all fronts and successfully defend the Premier League crown. Last season was a treat for all the blues fans and this campaign has been simply horrific.
It all started with the Eva Carneiro incident and after that the players and the manager alike completely lost it. It was hard to believe that this same set of players won the League title so easily. Jose Mourinho was the casualty of this disastrous season but the players were equally responsible for the fall from grace.
Guus Hiddink came in as a caretaker manager and has since stabilized the club and given decent results and has brought much needed calming effect after the recent turmoil at Stamford Bridge. The Dutchman is still undefeated in the league but Chelsea are out of all competitions.
For the next campaign, a lot of work needs to be done if the blues have to regain a place in the elite top four and return to Europe where they rightfully belong in the past decade or so. Let’s take a look at the five key things that will make Chelsea a contender next season:
1. Hire Antonio Conte:
The Italian is a no-nonsense and obsessed with details kind of manager and has proved his worth with his time at Juventus. Though Hiddink has been decent after taking over from Mourinho, Chelsea need a much bigger name to attract big names and challenge the might of Man City. Antonio Conte fits the bill perfectly and the board needs to get him to the Bridge as soon as the Euros get over.
2. Sign some big players:
This summer transfer period will be very crucial for the new manager and Chelsea Football Club. Many names are coming to the fore with midfielders like Nainggolan and Pjanic linked with a move to London. Conte is eyeing a move for Gonzalo Higuain according to some reports. Chelsea will have to invest big and the new manager will should have a large kitty to look forward to.
3. Clear out the dead log:
Many players at the club are just adding up the numbers but are definitely not at the level Chelsea require in the next season. Loic Remy, Radamel Falcao, John Obi Mikel and Oscar are the names that seems likely to be offloaded in the summer. Gary Cahill is also looking for a move away from Chelsea and there are also rumours of Eden Hazard looking for new pastures.
4. Give John Terry a new contract:
The captain deserves one more season at the club. For all the service has given to the club, to get him to leave after such a disastrous season will be wrong. He is the leader that will be needed next season and can inspire his teammates. Terry can get into the playing eleven of any Premier League team and deserves a proper goodbye at the club.
5. Develop the youth:
The fans have always complained about the lack of youth products in the first team. Chelsea have loads of talent in the academy and they need proper nurturing and development to gain a place in the first team. Ruben Loftus Cheek has cemented himself a place in the squad in this season, likewise one or two youngsters should be ingrained into the squad next campaign.