Antonio Conte was finally confirmed as Chelsea manager on Monday afternoon, following weeks of speculation.
Conte, still Italy’s head coach, will take up his new job after the Euro 16 campaign, and many expect him to bring about several changes when he takes full charge at the Bridge.
Here are five things we can expect from the newly appointed manager next season.
5. A Formation Change
Chelsea have stuck with the 4-2-3-1 formation by and large, but Conte is known for fielding his players in an effective 3-5-2 set-up.
He has experimented with the 4-3-3 as well, and it would surely be exciting for fans to see the team going into matches with more than one striker on the pitch.
4. To Retain John Terry
Chelsea skipper John Terry had revealed that the club did not intend to keep him past this season, however, Conte will be needing his experience as he takes on this new adventure.
Terry is still undoubtedly one of the best defenders around, and the Italian coach would be foolish not to at least try to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
3. The Return of Juan Cuadrado
Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado joined the Blues from Fiorentina last season, but failed to make any sort of impact, and was ultimately sent back to Italy on loan at Juventus.
Since then, he has made 31 appearances for the Old Lady, scoring four goals and making five assists. The Italian champions want to keep the player, but given Conte’s love for the 3-5-2, he might decide to give Cuadrado another shot at Chelsea.
He could prove a useful wing-back in this formation, and Conte must already know that.
2. No Major Exodus
Many expect Conte to undertake a major upheaval at Chelsea, however, there’s hardly any chance of that happening, looking in from a realistic standpoint.
Chelsea’s players, despite their failures this season, are still world-class performers, and the manager would probably like to work with most of them.
There’s also the fact that the Blues won’t be playing in the Champions League next season, and may not be able to attract as much talent as they normally would.
A few players will want to leave as well – for various reasons – but for the most part, we shouldn’t expect an entirely different squad next season. Chelsea should retain their main core.
1. Win the Title Maybe?
Conte may very well fire the Blues back to the top of the Premier League next season, but don’t get your hopes up just yet.
There are many factors working against him, and it could take quite a bit of time to turn things around completely.
Aside from not being able to attract top players, there’s also the adjusting to a new formation, a possible language barrier and the fact that the other big fish will be improving as well.
With Pep Guardiola to join Manchester City, and Jose Mourinho likely to make a return with Manchester United, the Premier League will have a huge fraction of the world’s best managers.
Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino are already there, and let’s not forget Claudio Ranieri.
Conte will have his work cut out for him, yet there’s always a chance of immediate glory.
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