Chelsea were shambolic last season, as they recorded the worst title defense in the history of the Premier League last season. The disastrous start to the campaign resulted in the sacking of JOSE Mourinho mid way through the season. Guus Hiddink came in and got some stability in the team. At the end Chelsea finished 10th on the table, following which they appointed Italian national team coach Antonio Conte as their new manager. Mourinho has also left some long-term effects on the squad for Antonio Conte, to address this summer.
Conte is known to be a strict disciplinarian and the Chelsea players will have to work hard once he starts. However, the ruthless nature of the Premier League coupled with Conte’s lack of time to get accustomed to his new job could play a key factor in leading to his downfall even before his tenure begins. Conte’s biggest worry next season will be getting a world class striker. He has the likes of Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Pato in his squad but with reports linking the last two to moves away from Stamford Bridge and Costa depressing form last season, makes the signing of a new striker, the top priority of Conte.
They have been linked with Belgium international Michy Batshuayi, who is currently playing at Marseille. Although the youngster is highly rated around Europe, it might be the move to let his fellow countryman Romelu Lukaku leave a few seasons ago, that might come to haunt the Blues this year. Having signed for Chelsea in 2011, the former Anderlecht wasn’t given enough playing time, and was soon shipped out on loan to the Hawthorns and then to the Goodison Park. His performance in the 2013-2014 season prompted Everton to shell out a record sum to get the Belgian on a permanent deal.
But now the need for a striker is urgent and it won’t be easy for Conte to get his preferred target without the lure of the Champions League. Last season Costa suffered a huge dip in form, which led to Pato moving to London in January, however the move wasn’t that fruitful as the Brazilian could only get on the scoresheet once in 2 appearances. Hazard and Fabregas did show some improvement during the final stages of the season but it’s the lack of a world class striker upfront which will worry Conte the most.
Conte is currently managing Italy at the Euros and with their qualification to the knockout rounds confirmed, it will only delay his arrival at West London. Therefore he won’t have much time to settle and being a new comer to the Premier League that task will only get harder.
One thing that is for sure is the fact that Chelsea have gotten themselves a manager of the highest caliber in world football. If they are to succeed and compete in the league race and the Champions League spots, a few tough decisions will have to be made. Whether these factors prove conclusive can only be told with time.