Chelsea: Five January targets for Conte

If Antonio Conte leaves Chelsea at the end of this season it will be because of one thing. Transfers.  Despite the fact that the Blues did spend a large sum of money they managed to buy few players the manager requested and sell ones he asked to keep.

Chelsea FC like to make things difficult for their managers.  They ask them the players they want and then sign others.  They also often sell players against the coaches request because of the money-spinning player sales scheme Michael Emenalo has hatched to make up for Chelsea’s lack of stadium revenue.

Antonio Conte essentially asked for one thing at the end of last season.  A bigger squad.  He knew that when he won the league things would be harder the second time around.  The Champions League adds matches during crucial parts of the year and it makes life far harder for clubs.  Real Madrid are so successful in it essentially because they have had two entire 11’s full of world-class players ready to go.

Despite what Conte said 11 players that were members at least of the first team training squad were allowed to leave.  Seven were then brought in leaving the squad at least in training and in terms of options even smaller than before.  For things to work in the long-term Chelsea will need to make at least a few additions to the squad this January and not break the bank too badly in at the same time.