With the appointments of Jose and Pep in both Manchester Clubs, what are the chances, Chelsea will fight toe-to-toe with them for the title?
Man City: Pep is a brilliant coach/manager, despite the fact he hasn't managed a not-so-powerful team in his career so far, but it's undeniable, that he instills a winning mentality to his players, through hard work, attention-to-detail and good organisation.
He's the master of possession football.
Man Utd: Jose doesn't need any form of introduction. We all know he's one of the best managers out there.
Hire him, and you're guaranteed trophies...maybe short term, but who really cares these days?
A trophy is a trophy, right?
He's the master of mind games, and counter attacking football.
Chelsea Fc: Conte in my opinion is still an unknown quantity, even though he's managed and won trophies with Juve, and most recently...managing the Italian national team, but it's still uncertain what qualities he'll bring to Chelsea.
Speculations have been rife about his preferred formations; 352, 424 and what not, but it still begs the question, what type of identity will Chelsea have under the guidance of Conte, possession based, counter attacking, defensive or attack minded?
What does Conte need to do in order to match the Manchester Clubs toe-to-toe, in a season that arguably will be one of the toughest, most exciting and competitive in recent years?
Sound off...
Can Conte match Pep & Jose toe-to-toe?
posted on 25/5/16
Manchester United with Mourinho are a more frightening prospect than City under Guardiola, being that Guardiola has no real plan B, will be interesting to see how he adapts to the prem given that his City squad currently don't suit his philosophies. Will be interesting to see if he changes his mentality defensively, playing a high line and leaving the CBs isolated in the PL unlikely to be as successful as it was for Barca and Bayern in their leagues given the lack of quality in comparison to those two teams, and the extra quality in terms of teams lower down the league.
Conte will be a lot like Mourinho imo, he will look to win at all costs.
Should be interesting.
posted on 25/5/16
True Conte is an unknown quantity.. Hard to predict how he will do. One thing I know for sure that he has built his career on relentless graft. and will expect nothing less from his squad. He is well clued up tactically and very flexible.
His mentality is to win at all cost. When he managed Juventus to the three consecutive scudetti, each more impressive than the last. In his last season Juve were in 99 points with one game to go. The tittle wrapped up weeks ago but Conte had prepared rigoursly for the final match against Cagliari- intent on achieving a full century. Juve's players were just settling in for a video review when Buffon arrived with club's chief executive.
"Excuse me Foe a moment boss" said Buffon "The director just wants to clear up the question of bonuses owed to the team after the title win". The suggestion sent Conte into a fury. He chased every player out of the room as he tore into Buffon" I don't to hear another word" Conte is said to have screamed " From you,of all people, I would never expected such a thing. Bonuses.... You're a disappointment, a defeat from the moment you open your mouth. Just like the rest of these half-wits"
In another context, such rant could've backfired. Not every footballer would accept being dressed down so harshly. Buffon and his team mates, though recognised the Internet of Conte's words was more important than their content. Shaken out of complacency, Juve beat Cagliari 3-1 shattering the 100 point mark in the Seria A. In that sense he can be compared to Jose. Both are combative, stubborn and talented. But he's also a bit like SAF. When Teves was asked about the differences between him and SAF, his reply was "Not many"
Conte's hair dryer treatment is very similar to SAF.
In some ways Chelsea are in a stronger position than Juventus were than. He was asked in reviving Juve that hadn't won a major trophy for a long time. At Chelsea he will find a group of players who won the PL title just one season ago, despite the struggle this season.
He is pragmatic enough to set up his deck according to the cards at his disposal. The guiding principle, though, will stay the same. He likes his teams compact - so midfielders can easily break forward to join the attack and forwards can drop back to fill the gaps they've left.
This is where the likes of Willian may excel in Conte's style of play. Also, Hazard is capable of making the late surge into the box to exploit an opening.
I am hopeful he will be a success at Chelsea.
posted on 25/5/16
Nicely written.