So, it looks as if Chelsea have a new man at the helm ready and waiting for next season, Antonio Conte.
Reports are suggesting that deal is all but concluded following meetings with both the manager and his representatives to discuss possible transfer targets and the finer details of his contract at the club.
So what exactly will Conte bring to the club? Well, I am no Italian expert so I can’t answer that as well as I would have liked. However, one thing I can guarantee is change, exactly what Chelsea need.
Some reports that are coming out of the press are suggesting that the Italian will get an eye-watering £150m to spend upon his arrival. That may not sound like a lot when you look at modern day transfers, but spend it wisely and it’s worth every penny.
To partner those reports, we have also the possibility of a squad overhaul. It is clear to see for everyone around the club, there is a lot of what can only be described as ‘deadwood’ around the club.
There are players that should be moving on from the club and see their futures elsewhere and the players that leave will shape the squad that Conte has at his disposal next season.
Just because he won three Serie A titles, does not instantly mean we will be seeing the biggest and best names from Italian football donning the blue of Chelsea next season, but there is an increased chance, of course.
Conte is famous for his 3-5-2 formation and that could be a welcomed changed for the Stamford Bridge faithful if that is the route that Conte decides to take.
To execute that formation, you must have specific players suited to that formation, which at this time, we do not. It is at this point where the team can really become his own.
A packed midfield with plenty of power and energy would definitely get the Chelsea fans off their seats. As well as a strike partnership, something we haven’t seen really since Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.
That’s not to say that it won’t take time for Conte to settle into life as a Premier League manager, I am sure it will.
But the club must move forward, calls for Guus Hiddink to stay on as Chelsea manager, as good as he has been for us in our moment of need, is not what the club need in the long run.
Manchester City have the possibility of building something very strong under Pep Guardiola and Manchester United look like they will make a big statement by appointing Jose Mourinho, we can’t afford to stand still in this ever changing Premier League.
We’ve all talked about the idea of stability at the club, that may not happen with Conte, he may be out the door within two seasons, who knows? You can never predict the future of a Chelsea manager.
However, fans should be excited by the arrival of the Italian manager, he will bring change and authority to Stamford Bridge. He rebuilt Juventus to the Italian giants that they’re, let’s hope he can have a similar effect on Chelsea!
