Oh what a season has this been, full of surprises. No one would’ve even imagined that reigning champions would finish 10th after lying in the bottom half of the table for most of the season. Also not many would’ve expected last season’s smash and grab relegation survivors to clinch the title with weeks to go with a handsome margin.
This unexpected turn of fortunes saw Chelsea fail miserably at their attempt to defend their title and a complete collapse of the team under Mourinho. The special one couldn’t last the season after this string of unsurprising controversies like the ongoing legal battle with ex Chelsea first team doctor Eva Carneiro.
But after stabilizing the ship under the cautious Hiddink Chelsea managed to pull off some victories and play for their pride. One of their most crucial results being the 2-2 draw with Spurs that shaped elect champions Leicester’s final title push.
The one thing that management did right was snap up the Azurri’s manager Antonio Conte. With an impressive CV and a proven track record with the Serie A giants Juventus, this appointment is definitely a step forward. Conte is a proven leader and a strong footballing personality. His Juventus teams not only won the Scudetto thrice consecutively but also broke many records along the way.
Many would assume looking at his past way of management that he too would resort to a 3-5-2 formation in the Premier league. Not necessarily true as Conte is a man not afraid of making changes to his strategies and philosophies if they don’t work out. Rodgers and Van Gaal have tried the 3-5-2 formation without consistent success. Conte had the tools for successful implementation of that formation at Juventus with 3 of the best center backs in Europe who were equally good in the air as well as on the ball. He will need to strengthen his backline for sure in order to persist with that formation.
It is also likely that he will use his National team’s attacking 4-3-3 formation which brings us to the question- Where will the current Chelsea stars fit and who could come in and who could go?
GK: Chelsea have a very able keeper in Thibaut Courtois, one of the best in Europe and also a very young one. Could go on to emulate club legend Cech, if they manage to keep hold of him amid interest from the reigning European champions.
DEF: Chelsea have 2 CBs in their 30s now and will definitely boost their backline with the type of CB that Conte wants. They could go for their long-term target Stones who would like to come back from a disappointing end to an average season. While Zouma has shown the potential that he has, Baba Rahman could get a fresh chance in the team. Cuadrado also had a good season with Juventus where his experience as a wingback could persuade Conte to try him there. Ivanovic may expect him to be shipped out or his role reduced to a bit part player.
MID: The center of the park is where Conte needs reinvention to get his combinations right. Enforcer Matic could expect to stay on with playmaker Fabregas and the fans can definitely look forward to seeing Radja Nainngolan minding the Blues midfield. Nainngolan also has had a successful couple of seasons with Roma. Know for his industrious performance and never say die attitude. He is the perfect midfielder for Conte having successfully developed Vidal previously in the same role.
Hazard may look for a fresh start elsewhere with Real Madrid interested in the Belgian. If Chelsea keep hold of him it would be a great feat. With him and Willian operating down the flanks, Chelsea will have a lot of pace and creativity out wide.
STK: Loic Remy and Falcao will definitely be shipped out with the latter not being offered a permanent deal. Costa may surely stay on and Chelsea fans may expect a couple of singing here. They may go for Inter’s Icardi and may also pursue their other targets: Higuain and Cavani among a few to name.