Baba made a mistake today dude - I think it is harsh to say that he is not good enough or will not improve. Also Kennedy when he slotted into that position for Baba also looked decent. Also, I personally like Kennedy's physical presence. I will not spend money on LB/RB. Also, Will be interesting to see if we can get Christensen or Ake ushered into our defense. 

Kenedy, who I absolutely love and think needs to get a lot more playing time, is so wasted at left back though, he's a natural attacker and I'd hate to see that stifled. Baba needs more time I think, everyone makes mistakes now and then and to be benched for what happened would be really harsh considering the performances he's put in in JT's absence over the last couple of matches. I'd like to see him and Ake battle it out for our LB spot

Facing up to 6 month ban for not reporting knowledge of match fixing

great... back to the drawing board then

Not sure how trustworthy the source is...

 

"The Italy coach is to go on trial for his alleged failure to report a match-fixing case during his time in charge of Siena and the process is set to begin within two months

 

Antonio Conte has received some positive news regarding his imminent trial for sporting fraud.

 

The Italy coach is due to appear in court for his alleged failure to report match-fixing during his time at Siena, regarding a match against Albinoleffe. 

 

Conte has already served a ban from football as a result, having initially been handed a 10-month suspension, which was later reduced to four. 

 

The former Juventus coach continues to await his trial as he protests his innocence against the charges, however, and, after agreeing to a summary procedure, the 46-year-old has sped up the judicial process.

 

Conte's lawyers fought for the trial to begin early to make sure it does not collide with Italy's Euro 2016 campaign and a deal was struck on Wednesday to move the case along.

 

Crucially for Conte, the agreement means that, if he is found guilty, his sentence will be reduced by one third, while it ensures that the trial will be much shorter than expected and will start within the next two months - between April 21 and May 10, in good time before the start of Euro 2016."

 

Source: goal.com

From what I understand it's one player that has named Conte as being aware of the match fixing.

By naming others the player got themself a lighter punishment.

Basically it's one persons word against another, I don't think there is any evidence as such.

From what I understand it's one player that has named Conte as being aware of the match fixing.

By naming others the player got themself a lighter punishment.

Basically it's one persons word against another, I don't think there is any evidence as such.

 

It does seem the case against him is quite weak.

www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/10/chelsea-antonio-conte-backroom-staff-talks?CMP=share_btn_tw

In summary, agrees number of backroom staff joining with him. Steve Holland staying.

www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/10/chelsea-antonio-conte-backroom-staff-talks?CMP=share_btn_tw

In summary, agrees number of backroom staff joining with him. Steve Holland staying.

I wonder what happens to Eddie Newton. If Ferreira gets sacked im sending Conte anthrax

I wonder what happens to Eddie Newton.

He'll probably revert back to his role as youth liason (or whatever the title is.

Conte to Chelsea: next week new meeting, possible he'll sign officially. Agreement reached, contract is ready, he's choosing his staff #CFC

"I go to Chelsea": The smile of Conte before signing. #CFC (via @la_stampa)

http://www.lastampa.it/2016/03/11/sport/vado-al-chelsea-il-sorriso-di-conte-prima-della-firma-QhUyRmXGUDzD9T2fmWRhsL/premium.html

Yesterday Abramovich has communicated to Conte that he has been chosen for the job. Conte is the new Chelsea manager. (via @tancredipalmeri)

Antonio Conte will be the next coach of Chelsea. Missing now only the announcement. #CFC (via @RaiSportweb)

In the next hours Conte will meet with the Federation's President Tavecchio to sanction the divorce expected at the end of Euros (RaiSport)

On the part of Chelsea, an announcement on Conte could arrive between Sunday and Monday. #CFC (via @RaiSportweb)

Antonio will bring his brother Gianluca, deputy Angelo Alessio, M. Sandreani & coach Paolo Bertelli. S. Holland will remain. (RaiSport) #CFC

Defined the final details with Abramovich. Conte will leave the bench of Italy after the Euros, with a rich 3-year deal. (via @repubblicait

yea kinda sucks for italy to loose their manager 3 months before the euro , i wonder who is gonna step up

Edited March 12, 201610 yr by DidierDrogbalala

yea kinda sucks for italy to loose their manager 3 months before the euro , i wonder who is gonna step up

He would still be in charge for the euros though.

Entertaining conte for a moment and assuming he will start with his preferred 352.

...... Zouma - Terry - Ivan.....

Willian..................... Baba/Kenedy

......... Matic.... Fabreags

.............. Hazard.....

......... Traore...... Costa....

I think the defence will see an overhaul, I can see us spending big on a new centre back with Terry leaving.

I've seen Bonucci linked this morning which would be good, maybe Ivanovic will be moved inside to allow Dave to play at right back, I really don't think it's healthy for him to play at left back beyond this season as it's stifling our attacking shape.

So I think yet another left back coming in can't be ruled out although I would love to think Ake stands a chance.

Story is he wants 5 new signings in the summer. 2CBs, a LB, a midfielder and a striker.

I think the defence will see an overhaul, I can see us spending big on a new centre back with Terry leaving.

I've seen Bonucci linked this morning which would be good, maybe Ivanovic will be moved inside to allow Dave to play at right back, I really don't think it's healthy for him to play at left back beyond this season as it's stifling our attacking shape.

So I think yet another left back coming in can't be ruled out although I would love to think Ake stands a chance.

 

According the The Times

 

Antonio Conte will ask Roman Abramovich for the funds to sign five new players when he joins Chelsea. The Italy coach has spent the past few weeks analysing Chelsea’s squad and believes he needs two centre backs, a left back, a central midfield player and another striker to get the deposed champions back in the top four next season.

Not sure what that says about the formation we might play, but it shows the state of the squad if that's what we're looking at adding. I'd assume Terry, Falcao and Remy would be leaving for certain.

 

Just one midfielder is a bit surprising if it's true though. Considering we're already light there it means the current ones must be staying and it puts paid to the notion of getting Pjanic and Nainngolen.

 

But it's just one story so who knows what we'll actually end up with. Based on this board's recent dealings he could ask for that and end up with a right-back, two keepers, a scrum-half and a new mascot.

Entertaining conte for a moment and assuming he will start with his preferred 352.

...... Zouma - Terry - Ivan.....

Willian..................... Baba/Kenedy

......... Matic.... Fabreags

.............. Hazard.....

......... Traore...... Costa....

I'd go with ake at left centre back. Plenty of pace then to cover.

I'd go with ake at left centre back. Plenty of pace then to cover.

 

Dorset made a great post a few weeks back about the under-18s playing 352. Last night the under-21s did too with Matt MIazga as the right-centreback.

 

Agree with what you say though. Ake is perfectly made for that role because of his pace, his ability on the ball and I think it probably covers any issues you'd have with his height especially at set-pieces.

 

Then Christensen on the other side...mouth-watering. Two ball-playing, pacy centre-halves either side of Zouma's more physical play is so beautifully balanced. 

Dorset made a great post a few weeks back about the under-18s playing 352. Last night the under-21s did too with Matt MIazga as the right-centreback.

Agree with what you say though. Ake is perfectly made for that role because of his pace, his ability on the ball and I think it probably covers any issues you'd have with his height especially at set-pieces.

Then Christensen on the other side...mouth-watering. Two ball-playing, pacy centre-halves either side of Zouma's more physical play is so beautifully balanced.

Just quoted you about that game in the other thread. Christiensen zouma ake would be a fantastic balance, and all 3 look capable of reaching the very top.

It's a real pity zouma got the injury when he did, as out of the 3 he was best placed to be a real leader, which he still might.

How did Miazga play? Only saw a bit of it last night but he looked fairly tidy. It's difficult to judge until you see them up against men.

Just quoted you about that game in the other thread. Christiensen zouma ake would be a fantastic balance, and all 3 look capable of reaching the very top.

It's a real pity zouma got the injury when he did, as out of the 3 he was best placed to be a real leader, which he still might.

How did Miazga play? Only saw a bit of it last night but he looked fairly tidy. It's difficult to judge until you see them up against men.

 

From what I saw he was ok. He probably could've done better for the goal because he was one-on-one with their guy but I was very impressed with his footwork in that moment. He's a big guy but his feet move very fast and he's got perfect technique when it comes to getting tight with a player. He lost out that time but that suggests that the fundamentals of his game are sound.

 

Got an assist for the first goal too but it's way too early to take much from his performance. Promising start let's say.

 

Going back to the point about Ake, Clarke-Salter is another player who could thrive in that left-centreback position. Very similar players, although Ake is probably better on the ball. Both pacy, able to bring the ball out and pick a pass.

 

The strength of the academy means there's plenty of opportunities if we went 352. Someone like DaSilva who started as a left-winger, then moved to midfield and now left-back might be a perfect wing-back. There's reasons to be excited.

I'd go with ake at left centre back. Plenty of pace then to cover.

Good point and I also missed dave out

Good point and I also missed dave out

Not sure where Dave fits in a 352. Too small to play as a centre back, and doesn't offer enough going forward to play on the right.

From what I saw he was ok. He probably could've done better for the goal because he was one-on-one with their guy but I was very impressed with his footwork in that moment. He's a big guy but his feet move very fast and he's got perfect technique when it comes to getting tight with a player. He lost out that time but that suggests that the fundamentals of his game are sound.

Got an assist for the first goal too but it's way too early to take much from his performance. Promising start let's say.

Going back to the point about Ake, Clarke-Salter is another player who could thrive in that left-centreback position. Very similar players, although Ake is probably better on the ball. Both pacy, able to bring the ball out and pick a pass.

The strength of the academy means there's plenty of opportunities if we went 352. Someone like DaSilva who started as a left-winger, then moved to midfield and now left-back might be a perfect wing-back. There's reasons to be excited.

Clarke salter is an interesting one. Very much under the radar, but he is a good passer, and I think he made the bench recently aswell.

Jay da silva is pure quality, still a couple of years away though I feel.

We have a fantastic crop of players coming through, we just to have the right balance of youth, experience, and leadership, which could be a bit of a struggle with how the squad is looking at the moment.

Also will an over reliance on youth work the other way, where some of the senior members will see it as a lack of ambition?

It takes a very brave manager to bench a proven international, in favour of a rookie, especially someone straight from the academy with no professional experience.

Say we went into the season with our strikers as costa, remy, traore. What manager would drop costa based on form, in favour of traore in a big match? 99/100 costa gets the nod in the hope he discovers some form.

It's the nature of the beast when jobs are on the line.