Premier League side Chelsea FC are somewhat facing uncertainty at the backdrop of lifting the title for the second time in three years.
Surprising much? First there were reports that the manager Antonio Conte might exit Stamford Bridge despite lifting the coveted title in his debut season in England. There was news that he was unsettled and did not like some happenings at the club.
There were reports that the board was pissed at how the Italian handled star striker Diego Costa as well. The former Italy national team boss wanted more control, especially after his achievements in only a few months.
Conte missed out on signing his top targets for the season like Leonardo Bonucci, RadjaNainggolan, Kostas Manolas and others. He focused on David Luiz who returned from Paris, N’GoloKante who he lured from Leicester City, Marco Alonso and Victor Moses who rejoined after his loan spell. Conte used what he had at his disposal and made the tactical shift delivered the title.
This was like the 2010 season where the Blues failed to make significant additons except Brazil international Ramires and Yossi Bernayoun. The season after then Coach Carlo Ancelotti spent £70 million but additions Fernando Torres and Luiz flopped.
Chelsea are currently struggling to get top stars this term, even though one or two have joined. It seems Conte would employ the bulk of the team that won the title last year but there is this uncertainty hovering around the Bridge. There is the Champions League, the league defence, and other local commitments that might stretch the team, unlike last term where engagements were limited.
The team might go far in the new term but with the increased level of competition from other top sides, replicating last season’s form would be difficult.