Few would have predicted how huge an impact Antonio conte had in chelsea last season having in mind the previous disastrous season(Epl 14/15)which cost Jose mourinho his job.
He came in and had a gigantic impact many never saw coming.
The build-up to the season was centered on Jose mourinho and Pep guardiola respectives team.
But he came to England, and conquered the very best at their game,not only did he led Chelsea to the premier League title, he also played the fa cup final, only to lose out to wenger's arsenal. His team was really outstanding all through the season.
The news that he has informed the club's top goal scorer for the season, diego costa that he was not in his plan came as shock to almost everyone, also the news that nemanja matic is now dispensable was met with total disbelief. These are two outstanding players that played huge part towards their triumphant epl season.
The two players were left out of their tour. This to some extent might be a show of power from conte. To show his players that he is charge, and wouldn't hesitate to axe anyone that doesn't follow his method. He could only have done this after a successful first season in England.
Bakayo has been brought in from monaco as nemanja matic's replacement. The 22years old midfielder was outstanding for monaco has they won the ligue1 and reached the last four of Champions league, knocked out by juventus . It is true he was pivotal to monaco's successful season, but not a player without question mark. He didn't settle in immediately at monaco, he had to be given time to settle in, which he may not be given at Chelsea, he's yet to play for a club of Chelsea's stature, and this comes with pressure, which do overwhelm some player. Another argument against him will be that he has no premier league experience. Trading such a player for nemanja matic is quite a gamble.
They are yet to bring in a replacement for diego costa, whosoever they bring in as replacement will need time to understand and adapt to the league, get use to his team mate, which would have been easy if the striker had join before their tour.
This comes at a time when teams are strengthening for the upcoming season but chelsea seems to be doing just contrary, or so it look. Expectations are high for chelsea, can they retain their premier league crown? Will they reach the last four of Uefa champions league? These are among many questions in the heart of pundits, and football fans around the world.
This is a real gamble conte is playing, one he himself will hope doesn't backfire.
You can share your view concerning this, do you think Antonio conte is right to axe Diego costa and nemanja matic?