Ekun Samuel, 16 September 2016
The Italian tactician has reshaped the Chelsea side that crumble and stumble to tenth position of the League standing last season as they miss out of all Europe's competition this season. And the new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte manages to convince all of Chelsea stars to stay as he considers rehabilitate and resuscitate the same squad that failed woefully last season.
This has seen Conte reshaped his midfield with the addition of new signing Ngolo Kante from Leicester City and the introduction of Oscar back into the midfield. Cesc was preferable to Oscar last season with Jose Mourinho and interim manager Guss Hindink playing him alongside Nemanja Matic. Oscar has found favour and preference in the sight of the Italian this season, as his work rate off the ball made the Italian preferred him to Cesc Fabregas.
Chelsea has obviously struggle for wins this season, as two of their victories in the League came at the late closing minutes of the game. Their third victory against West Ham was aided by the introduction of Fabregas who gave a last minute clinical pass from Chelsea's own half to Diego Costa whom hitting the ground running, neatly converted scored to give Chelsea their third successful victory and 100% run in the League. And recently they they almost stumbled to a loss as they fought hard with a late bicycle kick saw them settle for a draw at the Liberty Stadium with Sawsea.
Former Juventus and England manger Fabio Capello recently spoke to SkySport admits the challenge Conte will bring to the League, and also points out the weakness of Chelsea so far this season.
Capello: “I think Chelsea will battle for the Premier League title until the end.
“Don’t forget about Conte and #Chelsea in the PL title race. They lack creativity but make up for it with determination.”
Obviously the Blues have lacked creativity from midfield as oftentimes Diego Costa has to fall deep into midfield to battle for balls to be won. He has been short of supply so far but amidst that still finds his way to score goal.
Antonio Conte must quickly introduce Cesc Fabregas into midfield if he wants that creativity and chances of scoring easy to come by. Fabregas has that final through pass that can split open any defence, with his precision and vision to quickly identify an open space and see a run from his team mates. He was recognized in April as the player with the third highest assists of all time in the Premier League '95 assist', just Frank Lampard and Ryan Giggs sits ahead of him.
He holds the player with the highest number of assists for Chelsea for the past two seasons. 2014/15 (18 assist) as he created a total of 91 chances, 2015/2016(7 assist).
It's remains to be seen if Conte will stick with Oscar for today's game against the high pressing Liverpool at the Bridge, who plays high intensity football likewise to that of Antonio Conte.