Chelsea have had a turbulent couple of years, from being champions a season ago, semi and quarter-finalists in the Champions league to sacking their beloved manager Mourinho and finishing the season in 10th place. It has been tough undoubtedly. The promise of Antonio Conte’s passion and pedigree with Juventus had assured many that the grimness around the Bridge would change for good. However a rather bumpy start to the season has taken away the positivity from the Blues, more rapidly than the goals they conceded against Arsenal last week or the points they dropped over the course of three weeks. The loss at the hands of Arsene Wenger was an epitome of the good times now gone.
Defeats to Liverpool, Arsenal and a draw with Swansea have left Conte’s side at 8th place in these early stages. Where new managers such as Pep is faring far better with his unbeaten City side, Conte has had to taste bitter defeat twice now this season. Conte has met with Chelsea’s Russian owner, Roman Abramovich and has gained his trust over the course of three meetings. Sources claim that Conte has reiterated his desire for a complete over haul of the current Chelsea side in favor of a new, and more passionate one.
“I’m lucky because Mr Abramovich is very passionate about football,” Conte added.
“To talk with him about football is very interesting. To discuss and explain my idea of football, to have a confrontation.”
The Italian ruled out the chances of major signings and letting go of big name players in the upcoming January transfer window
“We must think about the present, because the present is now more important,” Conte said.
“I don’t see an opportunity in January to spend money or to change. Now I see the present. I see in the present the opportunity to improve, to continue to work, to understand it’s not easy.
“We know this in the club. And we must continue to change the story of last season.” He added.
The 47 year old, stated that the two lost games were a good learning opportunity and that his side must not forget the past where they finished 10th last season. Conte also mentioned that finishing that low in a league means that there are somethings especially wrong with the side and that these things can only be fixed by hard work.
The woes for the Blues continue however, as their skipper, John Terry is still on the road to recovery after his ankle injury. In his absence his centre back colleague Gary Cahill has conceded some memorable goals. Added to that, Kurt Zouma is still far from ready to return to the training side after his horrific injury last season.
