Ex-Manager watch: Antonio Conte

[brendanb50]

The wing backs are the key mate.

That and our CB’s are the biggest weaknesses currently when comparing to what Conte would like in terms of quality.

https://themastermindsite.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/chelsea-formation-3-4-3.jpg?w=1040

If you take his Chelsea title winning team as a example of a 3-4-3, the profile and quality of player was:

GK: Courtios - Good big goalkeeper who can claim crosses and can use feet when needed.
Lloris = fine

RWB: Moses - athletic player who can attack and defend, can beat his man 1v1, can cross and shoot with quality, more of a winger than a full back
Emerson = NEEDS UPGRADING as can’t beat his man 1v1 and can’t cross or shoot and vital position in this formarion

RCB : Azpilicueta - Strong positionally as a defender and can overlap and play the ball well with his feet as traditionally a RB
Romero = fine

CB : Luiz - dominant in the air but importantly very good with the ball, can spray passes easily
Dier = good enough for now imo

LCB : Cahill - dominant in the air but can also bring the ball out and play with his feet
Davies = NEEDS UPGRADING (not strong enough in the air or positionally and not comfortable enough on the ball

LWB : Alonso - real quality in the final 3rd, can pick a pass, can cross, can shoot, can arrive back post late and score goals, can take set pieces
Regullion = ok but not good enough in the final 3rd for me. NEEDS UPGRADING AS SUCH A KEY POSITION IN THIS FORMATION

CM : Matic - defensive ball playing midfielder who can break up play and set the wing backs and attacking 3 free
Bentancur = good enough

CM : Kante - box to box athletic midfielder who is good positionally, who can recover the ball and dribble forwards and pass
Skipp = ok and has potential but for me NEEDS UPGRADING to an e.g. Kessie

RW : Pedro - can dribble and beat a man and cross and thread a pass. Good intelligent attacking movement, has pace, can shoot. Knows when to keep possession and when to transition quickly with the ball
Lucas = NEEDS UPGRADING. No where near consistent enough or enough end product

LW : Hazard - same as written for Pedro
Son = with the right support he’s absolutely fine

ST : D.Costa -holds the ball up, links play, runs channels when needed but primarily a focal point, strong in the air, good finisher
Kane = obviously fine and world class player on his day

Added to this Conte has Fabregas a deep lying creative playmaker who he’d sometimes play in the midfield 2 but also in games he’d play in a midfield 3 to keep more control of the ball, we really lack a player like this, all of our CM’s are a bit too functional.

Key areas to improve to mirror what Conte had at Chelsea:
RWB - upgrade on Royal
LWB -upgrade on Reggi & Sess
LCB - upgrade on Davies
CB? - depending on how Dier does
CM - box to box
CM - deep lying creative
RW - upgrade on Lucas, more of a goal threat
ST - back-up to Kane and someone who can partner him if needed

There is also a chance that he will revert to the 3-5-2 he played at Inter in which case we still need the same positions but instead of a RW we’d need to sign an extra CM and ST

I think this is it ultimately. Great summary.

I think in Jan it's arguable that RWB and LCB were two areas we wanted to strengthen but the right players we're available - your comments regarding WBs in Conte's system really highlight what we're also lacking on the left-side as well. Reguilon and Sessegnon both have potential to improve further, Reguilon showing a more accomplished level, partly due to age/experience but do we need to improve that area? In Jan, wasn't a priority but in the medium/longer-term, yes we do if we want to play the way Conte does.

The question is how likely/viable is it to do that overhaul in one window? I'd say unlikely but it will be fun trying.

 

[Snarfalicious]

Seeing more and more (dumb) things about fans being tired of Conte. Now, I’m assuming this is just the same pant-shitters that want attention, but surely that can’t be a legit thing, right? Hard for me to believe Conte is the problem here at all. He’s figuring it out, and a good start didn’t mask the fact this is a flawed squad and an uphill battle to be relevant again. No formation change is going to be a magic pill, but it could help a bit, while we transition to hopefully the squad being built around Conte‘s wishes in the summer.

 

[brendanb50]

Seeing more and more (dumb) things about fans being tired of Conte. Now, I’m assuming this is just the same pant-shitters that want attention, but surely that can’t be a legit thing, right? Hard for me to believe Conte is the problem here at all. He’s figuring it out, and a good start didn’t mask the fact this is a flawed squad and an uphill battle to be relevant again. No formation change is going to be a magic pill, but it could help a bit, while we transition to hopefully the squad being built around Conte‘s wishes in the summer.

100%. Get a top coach but whinge when he can't magically fix everything in half a season.

I don't understand how some can't temper their perspectives until next season which is a much fairer yardstick to measure Conte by. I know it's frustrating and losing a couple of shit games on the bounce does nothing for any of our moods but what's the solution? Waiting, like adults with a reasonable understanding of our current situation or throwing our toys out of the pram and starting again (again)?

 

[0-Tibsy-0]

 

[cjbyid]

We've broken him

 

[al_pacino]

It's silly if anyone is having real negative thoughts regarding Conte and his ability to build a winning team, he's done it repeatedly and it's very unlikely he's lost this quality overnight. He not a miracle worker though.

 

[Aphex]

Just protecting Winks, with only four CMs in the squad Winks is going to be used far more than any of us will want or handle this season unfortunately. There is no way Conte thinks he's anywhere near good enough, and thankfully I don't think we will see him play for us again from next season.

It is depressing though that it is 2022 and the guy has somehow survived and is still starting games for us, it's a disgrace in all honesty. Have to feel for Conte working with such a neglected squad bereft of any ability.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

I think this is it ultimately. Great summary.

I think in Jan it's arguable that RWB and LCB were two areas we wanted to strengthen but the right players we're available - your comments regarding WBs in Conte's system really highlight what we're also lacking on the left-side as well. Reguilon and Sessegnon both have potential to improve further, Reguilon showing a more accomplished level, partly due to age/experience but do we need to improve that area? In Jan, wasn't a priority but in the medium/longer-term, yes we do if we want to play the way Conte does.

The question is how likely/viable is it to do that overhaul in one window? I'd say unlikely but it will be fun trying.

Thanks for the kind words mate and your Q at the end is an interesting one.

I suppose realistically we might sign about 4-5 players this summer but ideally we do need a good 8-10.

Conte signed 10 players in his first summer window with Paratici at Juve so it can be done but it’ll probably depend on how easily and quickly we can move on the likes of Ndombele, GLC etc for permanent moves and/or if we get any extra investment as the ITK’s have alluded to.

I optimistically think we will give it a real good go this summer as Conte & Paratici will be very clear on who they want to leave and how many they need to improve and Conte wants to be able to compete for titles and trophies asap at clubs so I really do hope we can make a huge stride towards giving him a squad he’s happy with this summer.

I think if we were to sign 2 wingbacks, a CB, a CM and a top class attacking player and back/up striker those 6 would be enough for a manager like Conte a good chance of having a strong season.

That being said it took Klopp and even Pep a good 2-3 full seasons to get Lpool and City teams and squads to where they need to be.

This summer will show if Paratici is the real deal or not, absolutely crucial we do good business and don’t waste yet more money.

The good thing is that Conte doesn’t always need £40-80 million players, aside from Lukaku he’s generally been a manager who’s signed a lot of mid-priced players who have specific skill sets which he needs.

Another reason for optimism is that there are a ton of players on free transfer this summer likes of Kessie, Dybala, Bale, Lingard, a number of CB’s etc so hopefully we can take advantage of this too.

??

 

[Tarricko]

I've not seen anyone say Conte out. I've just seen some people question a few recent decisions, which I think is fine. Making more of that than what it is, is more the proverbial bed wetting tbh

Yeah he's done a few things that have raised an eyebrow but also he's working with a lot of shite. I won't judge him in any which way until deep into next season.

 

[pablo73]

Fucking hell, I really hope he doesn't genuinely think that about Winks. Hopefully just trying to keep him onside for now as he needs him in the short term.

 

[Tarricko]

Fucking hell, I really hope he doesn't genuinely think that about Winks. Hopefully just trying to keep him onside for now as he needs him in the short term.

Must be the case. Players are wimps now, especially this lot. As Jose proved, you can't chew them out and expect to get a good response.

 

[13VanDerBale13]

Really hope he doesn’t stick with the 2 man midfield, especially when it doesn’t include Pierre/Skipp

 

[Delboy75]

Obviously you have to respect him and his record but I do think he’s being overly negative. If players keep hearing they aren’t good enough surely that will effect their confidence. I appreciate you don’t want a delusional manager but I think you need a balance. But Conte just doesn’t really do it, he never did it at Chelsea. Yes you get the passion on the sidelines and till now a winning manager. It’s just after Jose and Nuno I can’t lie I find it pretty demoralising. Add in the constant anxiety that he might walk any minute and honestly I feel bloody depressed ?

 

[spursfan77]

That's a pretty good assessment imo and from what I understand everything bar LWB and Central CB we are looking to bring in. Also I believe the RW and CF will be rolled into one player. Obviously that may change dependant on outs.

That's why it will take a couple of summers to sort this mess out. I think those that hope it will be done in one summer window are in for a bit of a shock. I suspect we will try our hardest but to bring so many in and get quite a few out is going to be hard work. Conte knows this I suspect hence the request for patience every press conference. It is going to take 2 years to get this squad back to regularly challenging for CL places.

 

[spursfan77]

Is it just me or does it seem that sections of the media are trying to suggest a bit of friction between Conte and the players. Seems like they are starting to build a narrative that just isn't there?

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

That's a pretty good assessment imo and from what I understand everything bar LWB and Central CB we are looking to bring in. Also I believe the RW and CF will be rolled into one player. Obviously that may change dependant on outs.

Cheers for the kind words mate and as always for the insight.

I suppose realistically we can’t do it all in one window so would make sense if a central CB and LWB weren’t on the agenda for this summer as Dier and Reggi are just about good enough and by improving the other 6 positions I’d like to think that we could put up with Dier and Reggi as starters for most of next season.

Although if so then Reggi really needs to step up his final 3rd productivity as right now he’s no where near the level E.g. Alonso was under Conte or Perisic was for his Inter team etc, he simply has to provide more end product.

Then again its a bit of a catch 22 as I’d like to think that if we signed a RWB, LCB, CM + Sarr back, RW and ST then we’d be more solid, we’d control the ball/game more so more space would open up and Reggi would have better movement ahead of his and revive the ball in better positions.

Anyways Conte seems to be fully aware of the realism of the situation and from what Trix and others have said about a possible 5-6 being agreed as what is needed for the next phase of the re-build then if we can get those signings right I think it could be quite transformative for us next season ?

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Is it just me or does it seem that sections of the media are trying to suggest a bit of friction between Conte and the players. Seems like they are starting to build a narrative that just isn't there?

Don’t think so mate just think the media always need different angles and dramatise their stories so get more clicks and reads.

Ive not seen many other articles similar to this and also I actually think Conte is showing a lot more love than say Jose did, Conte clearly knows Winks, Davies etc are stopgaps but he continues to praise them as they’re giving their all and he’s trying to Lee their Confidence up as high as he can whereas Jose criticised a lot of players and shut them out the squad completely which didn’t help with squad morale at all.

I think Conte got out the ‘bad eggs’ in Jan and most of players left are good pros and will be hanging on contes every word tbh, he’s even come out and said he mabye has made a mistake by not playing Rodon so he seems to really be protecting this remaining group of players in the media imo.

 

[sparx100]

i'd really like to see bergwijn tried at rwb, i don't have total faith that it would work but it's surely worth exploring given the alternatives. if we were prepared to try and turn traore into a wing back then i'd be interested to hear why we couldn't do the same with bergwijn, i'd probably go as far to say that he's already a bit more well-rounded than traore and would therefore require less work. defending may not be his natural game but i think he's intelligent and tactically astute enough to take on instructions. i don't see what we have to lose by giving it a go.

I would prefer him than Lucas to be honest. Bergwijn I think is a decent crosser of the ball and a bit more aware than Lucas. As for defending........no idea.

 

[Aphex]

Is it just me or does it seem that sections of the media are trying to suggest a bit of friction between Conte and the players. Seems like they are starting to build a narrative that just isn't there?

It’s what happens we you lose football matches. Potentially four on the bounce in the PL is a bad run by anyones standards and Conte is not immune to criticism, certainly not by the media.

At the end of the day this side still shouldn’t be losing to Wolves and Southampton at home. I mean it can happen and it did obviously, but it’s still pretty unacceptable with the side that went out there. We desperately need an overhaul but Conte will still need to get results in the meantime.

I guess their point is, does ramming home how far away this team is from challenging just lower the confidence of these players and make individual mistakes more likely? I don’t know. We’ve tried every approach under different managers and the result is always the same. The players are nowhere near good enough.

 

[CornerPinDreamer]

: because i love Antonio