Antonio Conte’s methods are on display in the Euros and the way in which he dismantled the Belgian force who are seen as one of the favourites for the title, was brilliant. Italian defended with all their heart and played some exquisite counter attacking football. The blues need to get used to this as the tough man will make Chelsea compact in defense and with keeping Italy’s tactics in mind, the blues have a perfect squad to play under Conte.
Chelsea have the players to counter fast, but the Achilles heel last season was the famed defense, which was broken quite regularly by the opponents. The stalwarts like Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill faced a disastrous season, Terry looked good in patches, but injuries plagued his season, Zouma’s season was cut short and the only bright spark this season was Cesar Azpilicueta in defense. The goalkeeper who was seen as the perfect replacement for Cech, was rather disappointing the last campaign.
The rumors have started about the potential sale of Thibaut Courtois to probably back to Spain. Conte is expected to hold talks with the Belgian after the Euros about his future. The 23 year old surely had an average season, but it was just not him, but the entire defense in front of him was pretty substandard. He was guilty of some errors, but every player goes through a rough patch and it’s the club that needs to be patient about the player because the player in focus right now is surely a world class player.
Courtois is regarded as one of the best keepers in the world and at just 23 years of age, has won League titles in Spain and England. He was one of the best players in the last season and though he makes some mistakes throughout the course of the season, his shot stopping abilities and his courageousness to be strong in his box are worthy of him being the no.1 at Stamford Bridge. He has had some problems with the goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichonat the Bridge, but that is going to change with Conte looking to change the whole staff.
People have been very quick to say that the departure of Cech was wrong but the confidence that was kept on Thibaut Courtois was a sign of trust and he is one of the very few players who have paid dividends of the infamous Chelsea loan system. The same trust has to be shown in difficult times for the Belgian and the critics misjudge his age sometimes, there is no doubt he can regain his form and become one of the best in the lot at Stamford Bridge.