Chelsea once again have a manager that everyone is talking about but for once, the coach is not hogging the limelight for something he said but for something he is doing for the team.
Former Italy manager Antonio Conte could be one of the smartest managers in the world of football and his tactical nous could be something that transforms the London club around after a rather tumultuous Premier League season last time around.
The Blues finished outside the European places, something that no one would have expected and even a lot of their players performed well below their standards, which saw Jose Mourinho get the sack.
Conte does know that he has a lot of work to do this season for the Blues but seeing as to how he turned Juventus’ fortunes around right after he joined them, he could do a similar thing for the Blues.
The Premier League is one of the most open tournaments in the world and here are three reasons as to why Chelsea could win the Premier League this season.
The manager leading from the front
Juventus were in the doldrums before Conte took charge and completely revamped the side around. The way he built the side with his innovative 3-5-2 system is still being talked about today and this was in 2011.
The Old Lady did not lose one game in the Serie A during Conte’s first season and something similar could very well take place for the Chelsea side this season. The Premier League might be a tough place but Antonio Conte is as tough as they come.
His innovative thinking and tactical upbringing could be the major difference between his team and the rest and that could be just enough as to how they win the Premier League this season.
No European football
Something that should help the London club this season is the fact that the Blues are not involved in any European competitions. They will not have to travel to any far fledged country and play some rather obscure team.
This means that Conte and his coaching staff can work really hard on the team and ensure they are fresh and prepared for the Premier League games.
A lack of any distractions in the other competitions would certainly help the side and the fact that some of the other top clubs would have to play in the Europa League also should make Chelsea favourites for the title this time around.
The team can concentrate on just the football
While the European games could be a sort of distraction, the biggest issue last season was Jose Mourinho and how he completely lost the plot at the club.
The Portuguese had a problem with the referees and the Eva Carneiro saga certainly did not help the team one bit. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa looked like completely different players and it was not a surprise that even Cesc Fabregas was rumoured to be a mole at the club.
Antonio Conte is a no-nonsense manager and the only thing he will look into the team is the football. There will be less drama at Chelsea and it should function as a proper football club rather than a soap opera.
With the right man at the club and the right vibe in the side, Chelsea could easily win the Premier League and many of us will not be surprised if they do it either.