Chelsea’s race to secure a top-four spot and Champions League qualification is playing out against a backdrop of fevered speculation about boss Antonio Conte’s future after a difficult two months on the pitch and rumblings of discontent behind the scenes following a lacklustre transfer window.
Conte reportedly believes that Chelsea did not do enough to strengthen the team after winning the Premier League title last year. The loss of Nemanja Matić to Manchester United and Diego Costa to Atlético Madrid left the Blues short of experience and leaders, despite the arrival of Álvaro Morata, who has only shown glimpses of his best form since making a club-record £60 million move in July.
Following the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal during the 2016/17 season, Conte switched to a 3-5-2 formation that was pivotal to their success. The Italian looked to have all the answers as Chelsea cruised to the title, but it has been a much more challenging second campaign at Stamford Bridge for a variety of reasons, including Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola.
However, it was the heavy defeats against Bournemouth and Watford in late January and early February that really kicked the rumour mill into overdrive as it was reported that Conte would most likely leave at the end of the season after falling out with higher-ups. The 4-1 aggregate loss to Barcelona in the Champions League did little to dampen the speculation as a strained relationship with the board was again highlighted.
There is no doubt that Conte retains the backing of fans after a vociferous show of support at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season when speculation in the press suggested that he was on borrowed time. If the 48-year-old is to be the man to take Chelsea back to the summit next season, he will have to work diligently over the summer to keep star players and bring in fresh talent.
There are reports that Real Madrid are lining up a potential bid for playmaker Eden Hazard in the close season, while defensive midfielder N’Golo Kanté has also been linked with a move back to France with Paris Saint-Germain, which could be a potential destination for Conte if he does leave the club in the coming months.
Chelsea are hoping to tie up a few deals of their own though, with Polish hotshot Robert Lewandowski reported to be the club’s number-one target as they look to secure a player who can guarantee goals. Adding pace and power to the front line is also needed, and Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio appears to fit the bill. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey is another surprise name being touted in the media as a big-name transfer.
Chelsea will now have to double down on their efforts to secure qualification for the Champions League as they currently trail fourth-placed Spurs by five points. While the Blues have not enjoyed a vintage season, they remain a force to be reckoned with when it all comes together, and will most likely be favourites for anyone who places a bet with Stakers in many Premier League clashes during the remainder of the campaign.
The question of whether Conte is the man for the future will have to wait for now as Chelsea look to end the season on a high before taking stock ahead of future challenges.
