Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
They didn't have Antonio Conte coaching them.
The guy made Emanuele Freakin' Giaccherini look world class at the Euro Cup, led a not very good Italy squad past Spain and to penalties against Germany, and did great things for Juventus.
Pep and Jose got all the headlines while he was quietly waiting in the background just planning for the season.
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Yeah, but let's also consider that the roster at Chelsea isn't exactly 3rd world. He added a piece here or there, but it was already a pretty stacked squad. Then you consider that between them and Liverpool they don't have Europe to contend with, whereas the other teams in the mix do. It's a significant advantage, despite the money and glory that can come with it. All of their starters are well rested and ready to go.
And Pep and Mourinho got all the headlines because they spent enormous amounts of money as well. Chelsea was fairly quiet over the summer. I guess Kante was their big signing, but overall they didn't need much else as it was all in place and just didn't perform last year.
I'm by no means suggesting that Conte has done nothing. It wasn't exactly foregone when Woolwich was lighting them up earlier this season, and since then he has made changes and they look good. But there is still half a season to go and it's certainly possible that things tighten up at the top as well.