10 May 2018 17:19:54
Before yesterday's draw we had hope for top four, a fools hope, but still hope nonetheless; that all seems to have gone now.
You can't help but wonder if yesterday's team selection was Conte dropping the mic on the board before he walks, or is thrown, out of the door. A message to the board that, as he's told them, the squad isn't good enough to rotate. I don't really think he'd sabotage a game like that, it's his reputation too, but Moses had actually hit some degree of form, Cahill had solidified the defence since coming back in, Hazard and Giroud were playing well together and it was a MUST win game. If it wasn't sabotage then it was incompetence.
There's been a little bit too much incompetence this season. Last season Conte talked about the coach being a tailor, fitting the system to the squad like a well made suit. Unfortunately in more than a few games this season our squad have been walking into our weddings wearing shorts and sandals. The system that worked so well last season has been found out, either by high pressing (vs. more adventurous teams) or very deep defensive lines (vs. teams like Huddersfield) . Conte's inability to counter these systems has been our downfall this season.
There are undoubtedly going to be big changes at the club, and with the world cup only a few short weeks away and the window closing ealier we should see them sooner rather than later. Now it's just time to sit back and look forward to another fresh start.
10 May 2018 19:55:16
I should imagine within 48 hours of the last game we will know about those that are up for sale and Conte's position and 'possibly' any transfer requests going in with the shorter window/ World Cup this year.
10 May 2018 20:37:02
You make a good point J. Conte has spent all season moaning but his reputation is now under increasing question. I don't see him walking into any top jobs now, he has been found out tactically and that goes back to the FA Cup Final last Season. I think he wants a pay off and maybe a year off, he looks broken to me and probably needs it. To drop Moses, Cahill, Hazard and Giroud in a must win game when all 4 had been playing well was stupidity beyond stupidity.
10 May 2018 21:08:39
G8: Good to see we are singing from the same song sheet. Unbelievable decision bordering on irresponsible. Even YOU must have been distraught watching last night?
10 May 2018 22:14:22
He definitely wants the pay off, and he'll get it soon.
This is two clubs he's openly complained about, whilst still under their employment, now. Bad coaching aside, I'd imagine that's raised a red flag with prospective future employees.
11 May 2018 09:22:36
C1955,
It was bordering on irresponsible and I actually think he is inept now. I think it was ED01 who quite rightly pointed out that he is tactically weak when we appointed him. Others like RDM, a club legend who won the Champions League and FA Cup have been outed far quicker and I think with the players we have a change of Manager last December when he was moaning would of seen us finish top 4 comfortably.
11 May 2018 11:32:12
G8: I agree absolutely irresponsible given the points we needed to exert pressure on the two clubs and there is not doubt he has tactical shortcomings although with the players he feels he needs I think his 'tactic' works well. There are many who detest Mourinho both Chelsea and non-Chelsea fans but he is one of a few who can change tactics per match and/ or during a game and get the desired result. I would like him to stay another season because this constant lack of continuity is not doing the players and club any good at all and we also need that enthusiasm he generated last season on the touchline. If we change the manager he will want players he likes and there will be existing players he doesn't and it creates a massive upheaval; also, we must remember, tactics aside, the players have not covered themselves in glory. Next week according to reports we will find out what is happening and then we start all over again.