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Chelsea
Chelsea and Antonio Conte parted ways this summer to nobody’s surprise with Maurizio Sarri inevitably replacing the Italian. This season will be a defining one for Chelsea.
Sarri plays a style of football that may be considered diametrically opposite to Conte’s. As a result, he requires the players suited to playing his way, much like it was the case in Pep Guardiola’s first season at Manchester City.
However, with there being a slight issue with Roman Abramovich’s visa, many have thought the Russian billionaire owner may be open to letting go of his stake in the club, with Jim Ratcliff being presented as a buyer with considerable financial power and serious interest.
With Chelsea having failed to qualify for the Champions League this season, they are immediately feeling the repercussions, as the top dogs around Europe come swooping in for their stars.
Willian and Eden Hazard have been subjects of great interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
Having only signed Jorginho and Rob Green, and with Thibaut Courtois and Alvaro Morata’s futures up in the air, one wonders what players Chelsea will start the season with, and more importantly, with what morale.
Conte’s final season was engulfed in malcontent and disgruntlement. It is imperative Sarri’s starts with an optimism of Carpe Diem.
As things stand, Chelsea are crying out for an out-and-out goalscorer, with Morata having failed to adjust to life in England. Jorginho and N'Golo Kante can anchor the midfield excellently while Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta looking solid as full backs.
However, a dynamic creative midfielder, a fresh centre-half and a goalscorer must be procured for Sarri to work with to get immediate results.
If the former Napoli boss is able to replicate his awe-inspiring style of football this season, Chelsea’s fortunes could take a sizeable leap forward. If not, then this may well be the last season the likes of Hazard, Courtois and Kante put on the blue kit at Stamford Bridge.
No pressure, Maurizio!
