Antonio Conte: The Giorgio Armani of Footballing World
Giorgio Armani and Antonio Conte. Two famous Italian, mention these names to Italian people and both will definitely ring a loud bell. Both lived in different eras and contribute in different worlds, but what do both have in common? Both are very good designers. Well, at least that's what Antonio referred when he was first asked what would he bring to Chelsea as a "new comer", whether he will use three in the back or the conventional four in the back, whether he will use one striker or two strikers. Grinned, he answered with a small laugh that a good manager should be like a tailor. They should know best what suit their team and be flexible in creating the "dress". Of course, being Italian, he would have known the like of Giorgio Armani as a famous Italian designer and being asked much further whether or not he sees himself as the Giorgio Armani of Football, he couldn't hold back his laugh and unable to answer. Chelsea is officially reclaimed the Throne of English Football. The main party is yet to begin. Chelsea will once again dethroned as English Champions during their last game on May 21st, after the final 2016/2017 Premier League against Sunderland which had sadly been confirmed to bid a farewell to Premier League next season. Twice in the last three years, being the Champions of England, Chelsea has shut the fuss and laughter towards them, labelling them "the worst Defending PL Champions" due to the horrific performance last campaign. But again, as Captain John Terry promised last season after the home game against Leicester, the will not go down without a fight next season, and surprisingly, the did not only refuse to go down without a fight, but they managed to go all the way winning the back the top spot of English Football. It was Antonio Conte, the man who managed to picked up the shattered pieces of Chelsea's fallen heroes, and puzzled them back to become once again the Mighty Chelsea. Speaking of Antonio and his glittering achievement of his first year abroad coaching, it is unfair to put aside what he has built in the old Lady and Azzurri.
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| Antonio Conte during his interview as a Chelsea manager (The Sun UK) |
Flip the page way back to the year when Juventus stumbled way down to Serie B, it was the Didier "The Frenchman" Deschamp who managed to lift the Zebras back to Serie A but it was indeed Signore Conte who recreate and "redressed" the Old Lady with three consecutive Scudettos and like a A-list brand designer, transformed them into the look of beautiful Italian Lady. Three years at Turin, The Godfather resigned. It didn't take long for him to gain the nation's trust and appointed as the main man to manage Gli Azzurri, replacing his predecessor and 2012 Euro Runner Up, Cesare Prandelli. Altough he has gone as Italy manager without adding more silverware to the Italy trophy cabinet, but his work as the manager deserves all the credits. Italy's performance in Euro 2016 presumably was the peak off his reign as Azzuri Manager. Italy arrived at France as a dark horse. Unlike Spain, Germany, France or even England, this Italy team consisted only with a mere handful of recognised stars. Despite the names of Buffon, Chiellini, Bonuchi and Barzagli who were the main figures in Conte's epic scheme in winning three glorious scudettos as Juventus Manager, the rest of the name in Italy squad were probably preferred as side meals in a dining feast.
Antonio Conte's Italy side impressively through to the Quarter Finals, beating the pack of rising stars in Belgium Team such as Kevin De Bruyne. Romelu Lukaku and including who are soon to be his players: Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, with two goals to nil in group stage . Through to Big 16, The Italian side was faced into a serious test. 2010 Word Champion, Spain was waiting readily. On paper, by looking at the team sheet, most people would expect Spain to come on top, walking down to the Quarter comfortably. the Spanish squad definitely outshone Italy by landslide. Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, David Silva were ready to put a serious hurricane, scatter the Italian midfield and supply Alvaro Morata up front to pouch a bag of goals for La Furia Roja.
To our surprise. Italy marched fearlessly to the battlefield. For sure, I don't know exactly what Conte told his men in the dressing room but what I am sure, it looked like as if we saw a group of Roman Army slaying daggers to the the throat of Spanish wizards. During the night, Antonio Conte totally managed to win not only on the scoreline but also the game play. Italy's midfielder played like a pack of wolf, outplayed and outflanked Fabregas, Silva and Iniesta, isolated their lone striker Alvaro Morata, cut of the supply to the Spanish striker, keeping him quite the whole night. While his players are keeping the match in control, the sight of Antonio Conte, barking, punching the air and kicking the ball away on the touchline was also some scenic view to watch. It was obvious to see that even when his wife and daughter were watching from the stand, Antonio had completely no shame to show off his inner beast to them and the whole world, keeping the men's eye in full focus on the match. Italy outmatched Spanish defender with a tremendously effective play, putting a headache to Pique and Ramos pairing and bagged on two goals to put them through to Quarterfinals.
It was only a misfortune that lead Italy to met Germany in the Quarterfinals. But once again, they showed a little to no afraid performance, keeping the match balanced til it reached the extra time. Even after half of an hour extra time, it was still unable to determine who deserve to proceed. The shoot-out roulette needs to be done, and when it came to a penalty shootout, German sides through to the Semifinals. Italy heroes had fallen in battle and Antonio marked his last day as Azzuri Manager with a head held high for the bravery of his team in the tournament.
The Start of London's Rejuvenation Tale
Previously, in the other part of the continent, the start of season 2015/2016 was not looking good for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. After the side was declared as Premier League champions in the previous year, the restart campaign went into a hideous plague. Chelsea were unable to find their stunning performance and got lost just three place above the relegation zone in the first three months of the PL starts which led to a decision of the Russian Boss to sacked the most successful manager in his era for the second time. After only 8 months since winning the Premier League. The board needed to react quickly to turn the table and saved the face of the mighty English Champions. Guus Hiddink was appointed to save what's left of the team, in the end, they were stranded and finished ten in the table. For the London side, it means the first Champions League absence since Roman Abramovich took over in 2003.
Into the Summer break, Roman Abramovich and heads of sporting directors Michael Emenalo and Maria Granolaskia held a meeting. Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, Diego Simeone, even their ex boss Carlo Ancelloti were among the names to sit on Jose Mourinho's chair as the head coach. Before Chelsea could react, the announcement of Jose Mourinho to turned his "heart" red and the arrival of the flamboyant Joseph Guardiola, added pressure to the Chelsea board to make a bullseye decision. Through diplomacy and discussion, they were succeeded in bringing Antonio Conte to the role of head coach. The Premier League soon turned into a war zone. Now with Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho settled in, the existing names like Arsene Wenger, Mauricio Pochettino, Juergen Klopp and Ronald Koeman were ready and armed to join what was called the most boiled battle of Manager in the history of Premier League.
Analysing and evaluating a dreadful season of Chelsea's attempt to defend the champion, Antonio jumped to a conclusion that the team needed a major reinforcement. It was his decision to bring the power horse N'Golo Kante to renew Chelsea's engine in midfield. The rest of the transfer activity tended to be calm, they managed to signed Michy Batshuayi, and Marcos Alonso. David Luiz signed to mark his return in the brink of transfer deadline to add some fresh legs to Chelsea back options.
Analysing and evaluating a dreadful season of Chelsea's attempt to defend the champion, Antonio jumped to a conclusion that the team needed a major reinforcement. It was his decision to bring the power horse N'Golo Kante to renew Chelsea's engine in midfield. The rest of the transfer activity tended to be calm, they managed to signed Michy Batshuayi, and Marcos Alonso. David Luiz signed to mark his return in the brink of transfer deadline to add some fresh legs to Chelsea back options.
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| N'golo Kante signed for the London Side as Antonio Conte's first purchase (Daily Express UK) |
The London tale restarted. From the feast and jubilation of starting the season as a Champions, Chelsea this time needs to start with the fact they won't take a part in the Champions League and as a dark horse. The board and the whole people behind the team reflected and realised it was a mission impossible to bring back the trophy home just after a bad season. The team's morale was low, mentally down and physically not as fit as the top 2015 campaign. But there was a glimmer of hope that the new Italian manager was able to bring about a change. Reasonable to see, given the last two Italian Managers that handled Chelsea were able to finished the season with a huge achievement. Double Winners in 2009/2010 by Carlo Ancelotti, and another double in 2011/2012 with Robbie Di Matteo, this time with the first ever Champions League trophy as a cherry on top.
The first three match went absolutely according to plan for Antonio Conte with three victories over West Ham (H), Watford (A) and Burnley (H). Despite his long success with 3-in the back formation, Antonio Conte this time opted to go with 4-1-4-1 formation with Azpilicueta Terry, Cahill and Ivanovic as the back four, covered by the tireless N'golo Kante and Hazard, Matic, Oscar and Willian supporting Diego Costa up front. Cesc Fabregas, and Pedro dropped to the bench. The emotions were rising and the optimism started to built. Antonio mentioned that he was hoping to surprise people that there is a small flame flickering that can grow into a blazing inferno. But what's coming was far from expectation. Paying a visit to Liberty Stadium Chelsea were held off by Swansea 2-2. The game finished with John Terry leaving the field limping out and Eden Hazard holding his hamstring. Liverpool was waiting, the Reds visited Stamford Bridge a week after The Blues failed to prolonged their winning streak into 4 spins. David Luiz came in for John Terry to the same system and Eden Hazard managed to recover in time, but the Reds yet again pour a lemon extract to the open wound of Antonio's men. Jordan Henderson glorious strike from the edge of penalty box were unreachable to 1.99 m Thibaut Courtois and rattled the back of the net. Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the season 2 goals to 1, only on the fifith week.
Chelsea moved their attention to Arsenal game. First London derby of the season and tried to save the mood of their supporters by giving a triumph over their "worst rival". Conte put on Fabregas in place of Oscar to bring more dynamic to the midfield but again, before the game even reached half an hour, Chelsea were already two goals behind. It was too clear to see that Branislav Ivanovic, who somehow managed to survived his spot on the right hand of Chelsea defence was outpaced by Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean punished, he created one goal and one assist to bring Arsenal 3 goals up, during the break. Antonio once again headed down the tunnel, rubbing his chin, trying to figure out where this all went wrong. Well, from what I see, this.. is where it all went right.. first step of the stairways..
Coming out from the dressing room, Antonio subbed in the new left footed signings Marcos Alonso in placed of disarray Cesc Fabregas, and turned the scheme to Three in the back.. 3-4-3 to be exact. He restored Cesar Azpilicueta to his natural position, right back and brought on Marcos Alonso to the left hand side of the Decence. The system worked perfectly that Chelsea managed to escape the second half without adding further damage to the goal, Chelsea stranded in 8th position, Wenger got his first win against Chelsea since Robin van Persie put a hatrick past Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge on 2011 and Chelsea had a "blue" night.
The 3-4-3 scheme Conte chose against Arsenal in the second half was preferred during the next game against Hull. He dropped the under performing Branislav Ivanovic from the starting eleven, and shockingly the first manager to do so since Andre Villas-Boaz in 2011. He dropped his options to Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta on the back three, with Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses in both wings. Nemanja Matic and N'golo Kante were chosen as double pivot and Eden Hazard, Willian and Diego Costa had the offensive responsibility. Chelsea managed to get back in a winning track with 0-2. Defending Champion Leicester City next, and to our surprise the system, yet again, worked perfectly. Chelsea clinched their second victory with the system 3 goals to 0. But the real test is about to come.
The Ex-Lover paid a visit to the old house of his, where he achieved three PL trophies, two in his successive first two seasons. Jose Mourinho, the man whose name once rang around chanted thunderously, from all over the stand during every Chelsea home game, came to visit the Bridge, as if he was trying to implied that he was still the fans' favourite. The army of Manchester Reds, complete with their new signings, Zlatan Ibrahimovich and the record breaking man Paul Pogba, came to the city. The tension heated that every eyes that watched could feel the antics of this match. Chelsea put the ex-catalan Pedro Rodriguez, the man with loads of experience in place of Willian whose mother so unfortunately passed away before the Leicester game and unable to make it back to England in time. the game kicked off. and before the game even reached 30 seconds......
Pedro got the entire stadium stomping up and down to his 30 seconds goal. The Little Spaniard managed to reached on to Marcos Alonso's long ball, rounded over pass David De Gea and slotted it home. 1 - 0 Chelsea lead. Chelsea were so effective during the night, Gary Cahill made it two before half time. Eden Hazard who's been on his mercurial best all year, and N'Golo Kante made the night ended miserably for the ex boss. Chelsea were no match for United. and the Italian man on the touch line had an amazing night. From the stand, the chants "Antonioooo.. Antoniooo.. Antoniooo" rang around to replace "Jose Mourinho, Jose Mourinho.." as the Italian man applauded the whole stands and saluted his new home. It seemed more than certain that the London team and its whole supporter has managed to get over their "most successful manager in the history" and lay their new boss in the bed of roses.
The impressive run of Antonio's 3-4-3 scheme continued as Chelsea astonishingly put Everton to bed 5-0 at the Bridge and their London neighbour Tottenham Hotspurs, 2-1 also at home. Another tough test coming up for the Blues as they paid a visit to the home of Manchester City. The optimism within the Manchester team was rising, due to the arrival of their new manager Pep Quardiola. but again Chelsea came on top after a brilliant display by stepping-up Cesc Fabregas, to help Diego Costa, Willian and Hazard put the Chelsea ahead 1-3 and brought home the three points. The winning streak went on and on til it reached 13 matches. Replacing the club's previous record of 12 winning streak, and on December 11, they sublimely managed to conquer the top of the league ahead of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. It was the wonder kid Dele Alli and Spurs who managed to put Chelsea from a further solo-run towards the title, when they beat the Blues 2-0 at the White Hart Lane. It was a one off for Chelsea, but their journey towards redemption is still on the running.
Going on to March, Chelsea managed to widen the gap to 10 points clear on the table. Before their shocking defeat to Crystal Palace and Manchester United allowed Spurs on the Second Place to clipped it down to 4 points. The race was heating, but it was the day when Spurs visited West Ham in London Stadium which brought the Blues' dream to one step becoming real. The Argentinian Manuel Lanzini "Hammered" Spurs to a surprising victory for the Hammer, and Chelsea needs one victory away to become an English Champions. Spurs had lost their last London derby in the season, and Chelsea needed to win their last London derby against West Brom to put blue ribbons to the Trophy.
And the revelation finally begun. Friday, May 12. Chelsea visited the Hawthorns to challenge the title. Chelsea dominated the game, and tried everything in their favour to win the game as soon as possible, but the stubborn West Brom stood back deep and defenced solidly. As the game looked like to end draw and Chelsea needed to postpone their celebration, Cesar Azpilicueta drove to the left side of West Brom's defence and put a direct cross to the face of Ben Foster. Michy Batshuayi, the substitute, tapped in, grabbed his second Premier League goal of the season, but enough already to put a crown back to Chelsea's head. Full time West Brom 0, Chelsea 1, and the Blues won their fifth Premier League title since the modern era. The first London Club to do so.
The spotlight hit the man behind the touchline, Antonio Conte. The whole world starred in amazement. Some is wondering how, some finds it not strange. Former Azuri boys, Del Piero and Andre Pirlo had predicted that the hard-work boss will come on top despite the competition among the Premier League's managers. Antonio Conte has become just the fourth manager, to win his PL title in the first season in charge, after Jose Mourinho in 2004/05, Carlo Ancelotti in 2009/10 and Manuel Pelegrini in 2013/14. Four managers, three of them are being Chelsea's.
Chelsea once again have their hand on the Premier League's trophy, but one thing that many people might have forgotten, last season, Chelsea just had their worst crisis in 30 years of the Club history. Finished 10, the atmosphere within the dressing room was toxic. Many of the key figures who stood out superbly on the 2015 triumph campaign had gone missing as if they had no more desire to play in the blue shirt. Eden Hazard had a terrible crisis. So badly that it took more than 20 league games for him to grabbed his first Premier League in 20016 season. The towering Nemanja Matic was outpaced too many times that as if the Chelsea's main filter for the defence was malfunctioned, and they started to be leaking goals. Cesc Fabregas, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, and even Thibaut Courtois, were all struck by the critics. Not few even questioned their commitment to the London side. It was only Willian and Cesar Azpilicueta who were consistent all season long and praised by the whole supporters.
When 2017 season began and Conte took over, not many who would have predicted that Chelsea will be able to bounce so quickly to winning ways. It was almost certain after the Liverpool and Arsenal defeat that Chelsea will once again had a dreadful season. But Antonio, like no others, somehow found a way. He reacted so quickly to bad results and change the system, change the mindset, change "the dress" of the team and buoyed the Lads' spirit back up again. In result, their relentless 13 matches victory, were able to propelled them back to the top, and to be fair, when Spurs stopped the winning run from getting longer, the match was absolutely went balanced and it was only the brilliance of Christian Eriksen who superbly put an amazingly measured cross to the Chelsea box that no one was able to anticipate, that put the difference during the night. The night put the race back on again, otherwise, Chelsea would've had a solo run towards the title and could clinched their prize way earlier.
Antonio Conte not only succeeded in bringing back the sense of warmth to Chelsea's backroom, but also managed to put his idea of football to the player's head. He pieced what's left of shattered Chelsea's crisis wreckage, restored the best out of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, N'Golo Kante, David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Pedro, Victor Moses, Marcos Alonso and even Cesc Fabregas, and applied stability on the team. Besides his pumping display on the touchline, he is without a doubt a very gentle person behind the stage, and the uttermost important despite his language barrier he was able to gets to deliver his philosophy amazingly well. He handles the press very well and tends to avoid conflict. He has proven that besides the "this season belong to Jose and Pep" fuss, he deserved all the credits that he never got at the first time. If things keep on going like this for Antonio, and with the full support of the Russian boss, realising the mistakes he made in the past. It is not impossible to say that Chelsea will have their hand on dominating English football for the next three or five years. After all, Conte stated that this season he's just getting started. The best of him and Chelsea is still yet to come.
In the end, if it was perfection you were looking for, it's definitely out of Antonio's book. Statistically this Chelsea side have lost five games (so far), three times in London Derby this season, twice to their away visits into the so-called main competitor Arsenal and Spurs, 3-0 and 2-0. one from leading position, at home, shockingly to the relegation-battling Crystal Palace. Another home game lost to Liverpool earlier before Arsenal defeat and the most recent was outwitted by Jose Mourinho's Manchester United, to put an end to a dreadful 9 United's meetings record without winning against Chelsea. First time, since Ferguson's era. After all, Spurs fan would make a DVD and show it off 10 years from now to their fans of how they (again) managed to beat Chelsea at their home. Wenger would be relieved to finally got his win over Chelsea after.. well? so long that I can't remember. Kop fans would bragged about how they prolonged their scaring performance in Stamford Bridge and United fan would contemplate to claim their "revenge" to Stamford Bridge's miserable 4-0 defeat. However, a manager Conte's calibre would have known that sometimes you have to bounce back after losing battle after battle to win a war, and that's exactly what he did and bear in the Lads' mind. 5 defeats as a collateral damage, shut the crap, win the war and the Giorgio Armani of Footballing world is now crowned The Champion of England. As for now, I think it is fair to say that Chelsea and the whole fans have found "The New Special One"
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| Jordan Henderson curled over Thibaut Courtois to put Liverpool 2 goals ahead before Diego Costa decreased the gap to one goal (Mail UK) |
Coming out from the dressing room, Antonio subbed in the new left footed signings Marcos Alonso in placed of disarray Cesc Fabregas, and turned the scheme to Three in the back.. 3-4-3 to be exact. He restored Cesar Azpilicueta to his natural position, right back and brought on Marcos Alonso to the left hand side of the Decence. The system worked perfectly that Chelsea managed to escape the second half without adding further damage to the goal, Chelsea stranded in 8th position, Wenger got his first win against Chelsea since Robin van Persie put a hatrick past Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge on 2011 and Chelsea had a "blue" night.
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| Alexis Sanchez broke the deadlock to open Arsenal's goal galore (ESPN) |
The Ex-Lover paid a visit to the old house of his, where he achieved three PL trophies, two in his successive first two seasons. Jose Mourinho, the man whose name once rang around chanted thunderously, from all over the stand during every Chelsea home game, came to visit the Bridge, as if he was trying to implied that he was still the fans' favourite. The army of Manchester Reds, complete with their new signings, Zlatan Ibrahimovich and the record breaking man Paul Pogba, came to the city. The tension heated that every eyes that watched could feel the antics of this match. Chelsea put the ex-catalan Pedro Rodriguez, the man with loads of experience in place of Willian whose mother so unfortunately passed away before the Leicester game and unable to make it back to England in time. the game kicked off. and before the game even reached 30 seconds......
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| Pedro slotted to lead the home side |
Pedro got the entire stadium stomping up and down to his 30 seconds goal. The Little Spaniard managed to reached on to Marcos Alonso's long ball, rounded over pass David De Gea and slotted it home. 1 - 0 Chelsea lead. Chelsea were so effective during the night, Gary Cahill made it two before half time. Eden Hazard who's been on his mercurial best all year, and N'Golo Kante made the night ended miserably for the ex boss. Chelsea were no match for United. and the Italian man on the touch line had an amazing night. From the stand, the chants "Antonioooo.. Antoniooo.. Antoniooo" rang around to replace "Jose Mourinho, Jose Mourinho.." as the Italian man applauded the whole stands and saluted his new home. It seemed more than certain that the London team and its whole supporter has managed to get over their "most successful manager in the history" and lay their new boss in the bed of roses.
The impressive run of Antonio's 3-4-3 scheme continued as Chelsea astonishingly put Everton to bed 5-0 at the Bridge and their London neighbour Tottenham Hotspurs, 2-1 also at home. Another tough test coming up for the Blues as they paid a visit to the home of Manchester City. The optimism within the Manchester team was rising, due to the arrival of their new manager Pep Quardiola. but again Chelsea came on top after a brilliant display by stepping-up Cesc Fabregas, to help Diego Costa, Willian and Hazard put the Chelsea ahead 1-3 and brought home the three points. The winning streak went on and on til it reached 13 matches. Replacing the club's previous record of 12 winning streak, and on December 11, they sublimely managed to conquer the top of the league ahead of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. It was the wonder kid Dele Alli and Spurs who managed to put Chelsea from a further solo-run towards the title, when they beat the Blues 2-0 at the White Hart Lane. It was a one off for Chelsea, but their journey towards redemption is still on the running.
Going on to March, Chelsea managed to widen the gap to 10 points clear on the table. Before their shocking defeat to Crystal Palace and Manchester United allowed Spurs on the Second Place to clipped it down to 4 points. The race was heating, but it was the day when Spurs visited West Ham in London Stadium which brought the Blues' dream to one step becoming real. The Argentinian Manuel Lanzini "Hammered" Spurs to a surprising victory for the Hammer, and Chelsea needs one victory away to become an English Champions. Spurs had lost their last London derby in the season, and Chelsea needed to win their last London derby against West Brom to put blue ribbons to the Trophy.
And the revelation finally begun. Friday, May 12. Chelsea visited the Hawthorns to challenge the title. Chelsea dominated the game, and tried everything in their favour to win the game as soon as possible, but the stubborn West Brom stood back deep and defenced solidly. As the game looked like to end draw and Chelsea needed to postpone their celebration, Cesar Azpilicueta drove to the left side of West Brom's defence and put a direct cross to the face of Ben Foster. Michy Batshuayi, the substitute, tapped in, grabbed his second Premier League goal of the season, but enough already to put a crown back to Chelsea's head. Full time West Brom 0, Chelsea 1, and the Blues won their fifth Premier League title since the modern era. The first London Club to do so.
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| Chelsea were crowned Champions after the victory over Wes Brom at the Hawtorns (Premier League) |
The spotlight hit the man behind the touchline, Antonio Conte. The whole world starred in amazement. Some is wondering how, some finds it not strange. Former Azuri boys, Del Piero and Andre Pirlo had predicted that the hard-work boss will come on top despite the competition among the Premier League's managers. Antonio Conte has become just the fourth manager, to win his PL title in the first season in charge, after Jose Mourinho in 2004/05, Carlo Ancelotti in 2009/10 and Manuel Pelegrini in 2013/14. Four managers, three of them are being Chelsea's.
Chelsea once again have their hand on the Premier League's trophy, but one thing that many people might have forgotten, last season, Chelsea just had their worst crisis in 30 years of the Club history. Finished 10, the atmosphere within the dressing room was toxic. Many of the key figures who stood out superbly on the 2015 triumph campaign had gone missing as if they had no more desire to play in the blue shirt. Eden Hazard had a terrible crisis. So badly that it took more than 20 league games for him to grabbed his first Premier League in 20016 season. The towering Nemanja Matic was outpaced too many times that as if the Chelsea's main filter for the defence was malfunctioned, and they started to be leaking goals. Cesc Fabregas, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, and even Thibaut Courtois, were all struck by the critics. Not few even questioned their commitment to the London side. It was only Willian and Cesar Azpilicueta who were consistent all season long and praised by the whole supporters.
When 2017 season began and Conte took over, not many who would have predicted that Chelsea will be able to bounce so quickly to winning ways. It was almost certain after the Liverpool and Arsenal defeat that Chelsea will once again had a dreadful season. But Antonio, like no others, somehow found a way. He reacted so quickly to bad results and change the system, change the mindset, change "the dress" of the team and buoyed the Lads' spirit back up again. In result, their relentless 13 matches victory, were able to propelled them back to the top, and to be fair, when Spurs stopped the winning run from getting longer, the match was absolutely went balanced and it was only the brilliance of Christian Eriksen who superbly put an amazingly measured cross to the Chelsea box that no one was able to anticipate, that put the difference during the night. The night put the race back on again, otherwise, Chelsea would've had a solo run towards the title and could clinched their prize way earlier.
Antonio Conte not only succeeded in bringing back the sense of warmth to Chelsea's backroom, but also managed to put his idea of football to the player's head. He pieced what's left of shattered Chelsea's crisis wreckage, restored the best out of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, N'Golo Kante, David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Pedro, Victor Moses, Marcos Alonso and even Cesc Fabregas, and applied stability on the team. Besides his pumping display on the touchline, he is without a doubt a very gentle person behind the stage, and the uttermost important despite his language barrier he was able to gets to deliver his philosophy amazingly well. He handles the press very well and tends to avoid conflict. He has proven that besides the "this season belong to Jose and Pep" fuss, he deserved all the credits that he never got at the first time. If things keep on going like this for Antonio, and with the full support of the Russian boss, realising the mistakes he made in the past. It is not impossible to say that Chelsea will have their hand on dominating English football for the next three or five years. After all, Conte stated that this season he's just getting started. The best of him and Chelsea is still yet to come.
In the end, if it was perfection you were looking for, it's definitely out of Antonio's book. Statistically this Chelsea side have lost five games (so far), three times in London Derby this season, twice to their away visits into the so-called main competitor Arsenal and Spurs, 3-0 and 2-0. one from leading position, at home, shockingly to the relegation-battling Crystal Palace. Another home game lost to Liverpool earlier before Arsenal defeat and the most recent was outwitted by Jose Mourinho's Manchester United, to put an end to a dreadful 9 United's meetings record without winning against Chelsea. First time, since Ferguson's era. After all, Spurs fan would make a DVD and show it off 10 years from now to their fans of how they (again) managed to beat Chelsea at their home. Wenger would be relieved to finally got his win over Chelsea after.. well? so long that I can't remember. Kop fans would bragged about how they prolonged their scaring performance in Stamford Bridge and United fan would contemplate to claim their "revenge" to Stamford Bridge's miserable 4-0 defeat. However, a manager Conte's calibre would have known that sometimes you have to bounce back after losing battle after battle to win a war, and that's exactly what he did and bear in the Lads' mind. 5 defeats as a collateral damage, shut the crap, win the war and the Giorgio Armani of Footballing world is now crowned The Champion of England. As for now, I think it is fair to say that Chelsea and the whole fans have found "The New Special One"
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| Antonio Conte was high up in the air after securing the title (Premier League) |
~Lad with handful of dreams & wishful thinking..
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