It has been too long since i posted here but sometimes these things happen where we find ourselves focusing on some pressing issues. But BlueHiver is back again this season with sizzling updates on everything Chelsea.
Last season was a bust. No doubt about that. 10th placed finish for a league champion is downright disaster and a record too, if i heard/read right. But we all need a reality check and a kick on the backside once in a while.
But it will not happen again i hope. I am personally very bold in saying that this is going to be an exciting season at The Bridge and i will tell you why.
1. N'golo Kante
Chelsea's biggest strength in the Abramovic era has always been the midfield. From Claud Makelele to Essien to Lampsy and Ballack Chelsea has always had the presence in the middle of the pitch that could scare any team they faced. The team surrendered the midfield in most of our matches because Matic and most of the team actually were terrible. But with the acquisition of N'golo Kante the biggest missing piece has been acquired. It is said that water covers about 70% of the world and rest is covered by none other than our new boy Kante. With that presence in the middle the team can do whatever they want as we saw in his debut and second half display against AC Milan. He literally changed the game.
Welcome Kante.
2. No Champions League
Now as a Chelsea fan who has been enjoying Champions League football since i could remember i am not proud to say this but having to only focus on the domestic front this season can be benefitial to the team. There will be as much as 7 teams competing for the league title this season which will already be more competitive than ever with our biggest rivals landing experienced winners as managers and spending big so the slightest advantage can make a huge difference.
No European constraints helped Liverpool fight for the title last 3 seasons and also Leicester last season. The team can rest between matches and make enough tactical adjustments for the next matches.
We will be in the Champions League next season though. We can't afford to miss it 2 seasons in a row.
3. Antonio Conte
Our manager has forged his own identity and success againts huge odds at club and international level but he is still among the lesser experienced in the coaches that will be fighting for the title this season. He is one to relish such battles though. He feeds off such pressure and it is only to our advantage that the fans have such a passionate manager to rally behind. Stamford Bridge will be charged this season for Conte and the opponents will not enjoy themselves.
He is strict enough to deal with our plenty egoistic stars but young enough to really connect with them. His relations with the players has been excellent so far and we are seeing an improvement in the team.
4. The New First Team Members
I have already talked of Kante but we also have Michy Batshuayi joining the team and possibly Lukaku making a return to The Bridge. Juan Cuadrado and Victor Moses are back from loan moves and done well in preseason. We also have academy graduates Ola Aina and Nathaniel Chalobah impressing in preseason and could feature more for the blues this season. The young boys are always wild cards since they are not known and when they play without being held back they become a thorny opposition. Our season is shaping up nicely and these guys are nicely in the picture.
We have some reinforcements to be done especially in defence and while the team awaits Kurt Zouma's return we could do well to find another powerful center back.
But if it does not happen i know Conte has already prepared for that.
The team returns to London after a good preseason in the USA and to the rest of the league we say 'Bring it on'
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