Former Manchester United midfielder has praised Antonio Conte’s brilliance at masterminding Chelsea’s turnaround this season. The Blues are on fire this season and currently boast a seven point lead at the summit of the Premier League table and Hargreaves believes it is thanks to their new Italian manager.
Chelsea’s 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon extended their winning streak to 11 wins in as many games in the Premier League. The Blues have been in supreme form this campaign much in contrast to last season in which their dismal performances saw them finishing in 10th place following a sacking of former boss Jose Mourinho.
However, the brilliant run of form for Chelsea has labeled them as title favorites as they sit pretty on top of the Premier League with a six point difference between second-placed Liverpool. And the ex-Manchester City player is very impressed with Antonio Conte’s new set-up and tactics.
Hargreaves was quoted saying, “The biggest problem Chelsea had last year was work-rate and effort. Eden Hazard was a shadow of the player that he normally is and Diego Costa under-performed as well. Their effort was not what it needed to be and they brought in a manager who demands effort first and foremost.”
“He’s found a set-up that suits these players and it works beautifully. He deserves a ton of credit for demanding more from his players but also getting the best out of them.” added Hargreaves on Conte.
“You think about [Victor] Moses or [Marcos] Alonso. Are those players that you think would normally win you a championship? A lot of people before would have doubted it. But this system suits every individual.” the former Red Devil explained. (h/t theSportreview)
Chelsea won the Premier League and League Cup under Mourinho back in 2015 before he was sacked by the Blues 12 months ago.