Chelsea FC: Antonio Conte hints at future plans in interview
Chelsea FC manager Antonio Conte has hinted at his plans for Chelsea in the future.
Antonio Conte, in a recent interview, stated that he’s building something for the future.
"“But, for us I repeat, this season is very important because we are trying to build something important for the present, to put the foundations down and be strong, stronger for the future. And to build, also, slowly slowly to become a real power. A real power in the future.”"
One has to assume that Conte is referring to the youth academy and young players like Ruben Loftus Cheek, Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Chalobah to breakout into stars over the next few seasons.
Conte has given a lot more playing time to the young players than predecessors at Chelsea such as Mourinho.
Nathan Ake made his first start in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham and played well.
Chalobah was getting a lot of minutes earlier this season, but for whatever reason seems to have fallen down the pecking order a bit. I suspect this is due to the rise of Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s form. Loftus-Cheek has been often touted as the next breakout star for Chelsea but has underwhelmed when he has featured in the first team in the past.
More from Chelsea FC
- Tuchel has eyes on Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah
- Permanent move of Cobham graduate Lewis Hall to Newcastle United
- Chelsea are not pleased with the Lukaku-Vlahović swap deal
- Chelsea joins the race against Liverpool for Romeo Lavia
- Blues select Reece James as captain and Chilwell is new vice-captain
Now, after a few good performances in the FA Cup earlier rounds and the occasional Premier League appearances, it seems he’s now a regular fixture on the bench. This isn’t a bad thing. To be a bench warmer at Chelsea is a fantastic achievement for a young player. It’s not easy to make the bench at Chelsea FC.
Conte also stated that he would likely not spend as much money as the two Manchester Clubs in the summer. He hints at using the players and the youth academy for producing results instead.
"“I don’t want to go into the situation of the other teams, other clubs, other managers. Every single club decides their own strategy. But, if you ask me, this season isn’t the only season the Manchester clubs have spent a lot of money.“Look at the past. It’s normal for them. It’s right for them to do this, to reinforce their teams, if they think this is the right way to win the title."
Chelsea have always been renowned for their youth academy and have built an army of players out on loan over the last few seasons.
Conte has already brought back Kenedy from loan and Charly Musonda. While neither have featured at all, it shows how much talent Chelsea have in the reserves.
Conte it seems is hinting at a quiet transfer window for Chelsea. By referring to building foundations for the future he’s implying that he wants to get young players into the Chelsea team.
Conte won three successive Serie A titles at Juventus after taking over what was a broken down mess of a team in his first season. Juventus was famously relegated to the Serie B after the match fixing scandals in Italy prior to Conte taking over.
Conte built his team up and over three seasons he’s turned Juventus into an unstoppable machine. He is hoping to do the same at Chelsea after taking over after a bad season for Chelsea FC finishing 10th last season.
Next: Antonio Conte offered fortune to leave Chelsea
Roman Abramovich and the board needs to give Comte their full support though if they are to build Chelsea into the title-winning machine the club once was.