Soon, Conte Demanded Reshuffle at Stamford Bridge
Soon, Conte Demanded Reshuffle at Stamford Bridge
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LONDON - The freshly appointed Blues boss has reportedly told owner Roman Abramovich that the side which won the Premier League title two years ago won’t be able to pick up the same accolade again, with ageing legs aplenty.
And reports of this kind are by no means a rarity. Indeed, just a matter of days ago, The Telegraph alleged that Abramovich is ready to fund ‘major transfers’ if Chelsea’s performances on the pitch don’t improve, following a run of three Premier League fixtures without a win.
So with all that in mind, Football FanCast have been doing some speculating, by taking a look at four players the west London outfit need to dump and four stars they could sign as direct replacements.
Is this the shape Conte’s almighty reshuffle should take? We’ll let you decide!
OUT: GARY CAHILL
IN : LEONARDO BONUCCI
It’s starting to feel as if Gary Cahill’s outstayed his welcome at Stamford Bridge. The England international has been at the heart of Chelsea’s most recent successes, most particularly their 2012 Champions League title and 2014/15 Premier League title, but he’s never come close to being considered a part of world football’s defender elite and age appears to be catching up with the 30-year-old following a string of costly errors this season.
Leonardo Bonucci, on the other hand, was a crucial figure in Antonio Conte’s Juventus side, winning three successive Serie A titles under the Chelsea gaffer, and proved his quality on the international stage at Euro 2016, playing a pivotal role in Italy’s march to the quarter-finals. The only obstacle is one of price – recent reports have rated him at a whopping £50million.
OUT: CESC FABREGAS
IN : MAHMOUD DAHOUD
Borussia Monchengladbach v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group D
Antonio Conte clearly appreciates Cesc Fabregas’ quality but it’s equally obvious the Italian isn’t entirely convinced by the ageing maestro, who had to wait until last weekend to make his first Premier League start of the season. The Spain international can’t press in the way Conte demands and endlessly struggled as part of a deep-lying pair alongside Nemanja Matic last season.
Enter Mahmoud Dahoud, one of the rising stars of the Bundesliga who has made himself a key part of Borussia Monchengladbach’s starting XI at just 20 years of age. He’s energetic and forward thinking, last season contributing five goals and eight assists from midfield. With his contract due to expire in 2018, Chelsea have a pretty good chance of convincing Gladbach to sell in the next two transfer windows.
OUT: PEDRO
IN : ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Pedro’s pedigree remains indisputable and his versatility adds a lot to Chelsea’s squad. But the former Barcelona star just hasn’t lived up to expectations in west London and appears destined to play a bit-part role once again this season – rather worrying circumstances for a 29-year-old winger coming to the end of his peak.
In direct contrast, in-demand Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is one of the best in the business. He claimed the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 and has been on fire in front of goal since moving to Vincente Calderon two years ago, going on to claim 62 goals in 113 appearances. He’s hardworking, intelligent, a real opportunist and can play anywhere across the frontline.
OUT: BRANISLAV IVANOVIC |
IN : ALESSANDRO FLORENZI
It may pain some Chelsea fans to hear this but Branislav Ivanovic is no longer fit for purpose – too slow to perform the duties of a modern-day right-back yet not reliable enough when utilised at the heart of defence. Indeed, the Serbian defender has been culpable for countless errors since the start of last season and his Stamford Bridge spell appears to be coming to an end.
Alessandro Florenzi, meanwhile, is the kind of player who suits Antonio Conte’s philosophy perfectly, which is why he was included in the Chelsea manager’s Euro 2016 squad. Indeed, the Roma star can play on either defensive flank or in central midfield and combines positional intelligence with a phenomenal work ethic. He also scored an absolute belter against Barcelona that was nominated for the 2015 Puskas Award.
And reports of this kind are by no means a rarity. Indeed, just a matter of days ago, The Telegraph alleged that Abramovich is ready to fund ‘major transfers’ if Chelsea’s performances on the pitch don’t improve, following a run of three Premier League fixtures without a win.
So with all that in mind, Football FanCast have been doing some speculating, by taking a look at four players the west London outfit need to dump and four stars they could sign as direct replacements.
Is this the shape Conte’s almighty reshuffle should take? We’ll let you decide!
OUT: GARY CAHILL
IN : LEONARDO BONUCCI
It’s starting to feel as if Gary Cahill’s outstayed his welcome at Stamford Bridge. The England international has been at the heart of Chelsea’s most recent successes, most particularly their 2012 Champions League title and 2014/15 Premier League title, but he’s never come close to being considered a part of world football’s defender elite and age appears to be catching up with the 30-year-old following a string of costly errors this season.
Leonardo Bonucci, on the other hand, was a crucial figure in Antonio Conte’s Juventus side, winning three successive Serie A titles under the Chelsea gaffer, and proved his quality on the international stage at Euro 2016, playing a pivotal role in Italy’s march to the quarter-finals. The only obstacle is one of price – recent reports have rated him at a whopping £50million.
OUT: CESC FABREGAS
IN : MAHMOUD DAHOUD
Borussia Monchengladbach v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group D
Antonio Conte clearly appreciates Cesc Fabregas’ quality but it’s equally obvious the Italian isn’t entirely convinced by the ageing maestro, who had to wait until last weekend to make his first Premier League start of the season. The Spain international can’t press in the way Conte demands and endlessly struggled as part of a deep-lying pair alongside Nemanja Matic last season.
Enter Mahmoud Dahoud, one of the rising stars of the Bundesliga who has made himself a key part of Borussia Monchengladbach’s starting XI at just 20 years of age. He’s energetic and forward thinking, last season contributing five goals and eight assists from midfield. With his contract due to expire in 2018, Chelsea have a pretty good chance of convincing Gladbach to sell in the next two transfer windows.
OUT: PEDRO
IN : ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Pedro’s pedigree remains indisputable and his versatility adds a lot to Chelsea’s squad. But the former Barcelona star just hasn’t lived up to expectations in west London and appears destined to play a bit-part role once again this season – rather worrying circumstances for a 29-year-old winger coming to the end of his peak.
In direct contrast, in-demand Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is one of the best in the business. He claimed the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 and has been on fire in front of goal since moving to Vincente Calderon two years ago, going on to claim 62 goals in 113 appearances. He’s hardworking, intelligent, a real opportunist and can play anywhere across the frontline.
OUT: BRANISLAV IVANOVIC |
IN : ALESSANDRO FLORENZI
It may pain some Chelsea fans to hear this but Branislav Ivanovic is no longer fit for purpose – too slow to perform the duties of a modern-day right-back yet not reliable enough when utilised at the heart of defence. Indeed, the Serbian defender has been culpable for countless errors since the start of last season and his Stamford Bridge spell appears to be coming to an end.
Alessandro Florenzi, meanwhile, is the kind of player who suits Antonio Conte’s philosophy perfectly, which is why he was included in the Chelsea manager’s Euro 2016 squad. Indeed, the Roma star can play on either defensive flank or in central midfield and combines positional intelligence with a phenomenal work ethic. He also scored an absolute belter against Barcelona that was nominated for the 2015 Puskas Award.
(rnz)
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