How Conte could change Chelsea after Pochettino struggles | OneFootball

Antonio Conte has been heavily linked with a return to Chelsea in the summer, so what could a second spell in West London look like for the Italian tactician?

The Blues are widely expected to make some sweeping changes ahead of next season after a difficult year under Mauricio Pochettino, who has failed to find a consistent rhythm with his squad as they languish in the mid-table, far below the fans’ expectations.

With Pochettino on the way out, Conte recently been linked with a possible return to Chelsea in the summer, coming back six years after his rather acrimonious exit from the club back in 2018, which ultimately ended in a bitter legal battle.

Things have changed, for better or worse, at the Blues since then and now the Italian tactician is looking like an interesting candidate to take over in the dugout this summer, giving him the chance to return to the Premier League for a third time in his career.

Whilst both Conte and Chelsea are known for transfer market investments, what would today’s squad look like under the 54-year-old coach?

Conte changes

In almost every match this season, Pochettino has lined up Chelsea in a 4-2-3-1 formation, something that would immediately change under Conte, who is known for his commitment to a three-man backline.

In his time with Tottenham, the Italian coach deployed a few different formations under the same system, focusing on either a 3-4-3 or a 3-4-2-1 setup, and he is also known for his appreciation of a 3-5-2 line-up.

Switching to a three-man defence with this Chelsea squad could see Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile working together in front of their goalkeeper, possibly Robert Sanchez should a new number one not arrive.

In front of the backline, there are some obvious choices for a possible Conte midfield, including Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher, deployed as a three or split across a 3-4-2-1. Out wide, Reece James and Ben Chilwell would suit as wing backs, assuming they can maintain fitness.

The frontline, if it was a three-man set-up in a 3-4-3, could see Mykhaylo Mudryk out left, Nicholas Jackson in the centre and Raheem Sterling on the right, although the latter could move left to make space for Noni Madueke.

Chelsea are known for investing in the transfer window, so Conte would be able to identify more suitable players for his system, something he usually requires when taking on the job.