Source: Chelsea Football Club via Facebook
Chelsea were by far and away the strongest and most consistent team in England’s top flight last season and Antonio Conte’s men were worthy winners of the Premier League title. Next season, both Manchester clubs will look to challenge whilst both Tottenham and Liverpool will also be in the mix. Despite enhanced competition at the top, the Blues look well placed to defend their crown – and here’s why:
Conte Is A Class Above
If you’re looking for a tactical genius, look no further than Antonio Conte. When the Italian moved to Stamford Bridge last summer, nobody quite knew what to expect. Jose Mourinho, sacked by the club just months before Conte’s arrival, had been a fan favourite with Chelsea supporters for some time but the former Italy boss is now the main man at Stamford Bridge.
On September 24th, Chelsea were eight points behind runaway leaders Manchester City but Conte didn’t panic. Instead, the charismatic Italian completely transformed the Blues, opting to adopt a three at the back formation – and it worked. Chelsea went on to win 13 Premier League games in a row, a run that put the Blues firmly in the driving seat for the crown.
Abramovich will Spend Big This Summer
Right now, the two Manchester clubs are dominating the transfer window but that could play into Chelsea’s hands. Conte can now go about his business quietly and you can bet that owner Roman Abramovich will be providing the Italian with sound financial support. Within reason, Conte will more or less be given a blank cheque to sign a handful of players as the Blues prepare to compete on multiple fronts.
Do Chelsea need to spend £200m?
And are their three top targets even worth it?🤔💷💷💷💷💷💷💷 https://t.co/6hl0YeHPSc
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) May 29, 2017
With reports suggesting that Diego Costa looks set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Chelsea move for a world class striker. Romelu Lukaku, second highest scorer in the Premier League last season, has been linked with a return to the club after leaving in 2014. With Lukaku leading the line, the Blues could prosper, both domestically and in Europe.
Chelsea’s Midfield Is Very Strong
Without a shadow of a doubt, Chelsea’s midfield will give them the edge in the title race again next year. The likes of N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and Belgium star Eden Hazard all played key roles in Chelsea’s success last season and they will continue to do so in the upcoming campaign. As of June 11th, the Blues are 7/2 to retain the crown in bet365’s Premier League betting and all three will be central to their aspirations.
Source: Chelsea Football Club via Facebook
Meanwhile, the Blues will almost certainly bring a competent midfielder into the club this summer and Real Madrid star James Rodriguez has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Imagine Rodriguez lining up behind Lukaku alongside the likes of Hazard and Willian in Chelsea’s attack? It almost doesn’t seem fair…
It Is Always Harder To Defend A Title
Conte will expect a backlash from England’s top sides next year; everybody will be aiming to put an end to Chelsea’s dominance. Winning the Premier League is difficult but retaining the crown is ten times harder.
For the Blues to succeed, Conte must prove that he is able to mix things up again and Abramovich must invest heavily before the transfer window slams shut in September. Watch this space Chelsea fans, it could be a memorable and exciting campaign.
Tags: Antonio Conte, Chelsea, Premier League, Roman Abramovich
