Chelsea suffered their worst campaign in 20 years and the worst defense of the league title, but that season is coming to an end season. The fans and the Club as a whole have endured tough times this campaign and the board had to take some stern measures to reduce the damage. Many such measures are needed in the summer to offload players to make way for new additions.
The first good thing that has been taken care of is the appointment of the much sought after manager and well respected, Antonio Conte. The Italian has been a success to wherever he has been except at Atlanta and Conte is the perfect guy that is required at Stamford Bridge. Guus Hiddink has done a decent job to bring stability and is all set to finish in the top half, but if the blues want to challenge for trophies again, Conte is an ideal choice.
This summer is an extremely important one with respect to transfers as all big teams are looking to spend and make their squads strong and big enough to challenge on all fronts. And without Europe, bringing players to the Bridge will be tough, but the financial power and the chance to play under Conte can help Chelsea’s chances. With the arrival of Guardiola and Klopp added with the rise of Leicester and Spurs, Chelsea must rectify their mistakes otherwise it is a possibility that the blues will fall behind. Take a look at the three ideas that can make Chelsea title contenders again:
1. Change of formation:
Since Ranieri left Chelsea, the blues have been accustomed to a 4-2-3-1 formation. All the managers that graced Chelsea played them in the very same formation. This has brought much success, but sadly it was found out this season. The midfield just couldn’t dominate and that resulted in the scalp of Mourinho.
With Conte being a fan of 4-3-3 and 3-5-2, the blues will finally get to see something different and the Italian always like to see three midfielders in the team and that will give the blues a much needed steel in the middle of the park. Radja Nainggolan will be a perfect addition to the Chelsea squad as reported.
2. Give John Terry a new contract and keep Eden Hazard at all costs:
Terry and Hazard had been instrumental in the title win last year and both of them are uncertain of their future at the club. John Terry must be given a new contract and his experience is required if the blues want to mount a title challenge under Conte. No one in the league can boast of a defender like Terry and the club should make full use of it.
Eden Hazard has experienced a downfall like never before. But the fans know what he is capable of and can work wonders under the new regime.
3. Developing youngsters in the first team:
Chelsea’s youth team won their third consecutive FA Youth cup and Conte should consider the academy graduates while he decides his squad for the new campaign. Abramovic wants his youth products to be included and developed to be capable of being in the first team squad.
Apart from Loftus Cheek, many youngsters have impressed like Tammy Abraham, who has scored 26 goals this season. Jake Salter-Clarke, Mukhtar Ali and on loan Dominic Solanke are the ones that can be nurtured in the first team squad. Conte needs to include them to give these players a chance and hoping to emulate the example of the great John Terry.