1. Log in now to remove adverts - no adverts at all to registered members!

Off Topic The fatal flaw holding Chelsea back from reigning as a true super club - and it's not Conte

Discussion in 'Chelsea' started by The Ginger Marks, Feb 15, 2018.

  1. The Ginger Marks

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2011
    Messages:
    40,611
    Likes Received:
    16,228
    As the final whistle blew at Vicarage Road, Antonio Conte looked resigned to facing more uncomfortable questions about his Chelsea future.

    The zest that defined his first season at Stamford Bridge has been consumed in his second campaign by an air of despondent resignation. His post-match interview after the Watford loss almost seemed like a goodbye, complete with pointed jabs at both players and the club.

    Gone is the fire in the belly that sent the club to the Premier League title in 2017. Instead, flames are now licking around a bridge that seems ready to be burned between the Italian and his employers and players. He has spent months telling the squad they are going to struggle for a top four position and access to the Champions League, all the while questioning whether they are good enough to wear the shirt.

    In years gone by the strength of character within the Chelsea squad enabled the dressing room to feed off the chaos and instability that so often surrounded it. Managers didn't last long enough for true transitional periods. However, the strength of character and leaders that once galvanised the team in times of adversity has long since departed.

    Read the rest here: https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-antonio-conte-manager-news-14264424
     
    #1
  2. Chelsea Pensioner

    Chelsea Pensioner Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    1,275
    Saw this a day or 2 back. Common sense and realistic assessment on every level.
    Does RA have the sense to curb his ego, clear out the syncophants and reverse his modus operendi?
    Doubtful.
    If he doesn't, then we will be here next year writing the same stuff, and he will be short another 300mill. watching City, Utd, Liverpool and Spurs ride off into the distance.
     
    #2
  3. StanDMan

    StanDMan Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2011
    Messages:
    7,567
    Likes Received:
    646
    Conte is not only blame holder.
    But he has 51% blame at the least.
    I would make him majority stake holder for this mess and he has to go!!!!
     
    #3
  4. StanDMan

    StanDMan Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2011
    Messages:
    7,567
    Likes Received:
    646
    Here you go.. Conte at OT rumours.

     
    #4
  5. Liquidator

    Liquidator Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2011
    Messages:
    562
    Likes Received:
    138
    Amen to that - we are in serious need of an independent director of football not some glorified "bean-counter". As for matters on the paddock we lack leadership esp at the back, JT hasn't been replaced and in his place we've got someone doing an impression of a mannequin. The only thing that would make RA smell the coffee and an about turn would be the impending threat of championship football imo.
     
    #5
  6. The Ginger Marks

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2011
    Messages:
    40,611
    Likes Received:
    16,228
    Looks like Conte is Stans new Obi Mikel.
     
    #6
    Bodinki likes this.
  7. Chelsea Pensioner

    Chelsea Pensioner Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    1,275
    Watched the last couple of Barca and Bayern games.
    What we also lack , apart from Leadership, is defenders who can play the ball out. Barca and Bayern start loads of attacks right from the back. We don't.
    Signs are there though that we are learning. Christensen is starting to look for better passes and Rudiger has attack flair about him.
     
    #7
  8. Liquidator

    Liquidator Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2011
    Messages:
    562
    Likes Received:
    138
    Have to admit that one glimmer of light during a frustrating season has been the increasing use of youngsters - it's ironic I guess that the club has reluctantly adopted this approach because of our inability to counter the financial muscle of clubs like City & PSG. Still it's a positive sign that we are starting to utilise the abundant raw talent that we have on our doorstep rather than splurging out on a number of bargain-basement drop kicks.
     
    #8
  9. DferPolarBear

    DferPolarBear Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2011
    Messages:
    1,145
    Likes Received:
    115
    Margins at the top are narrow. We won't win the league. Chelsea in crisis, systemic fault......No.
     
    #9

Share This Page