Palpable anxiety has gripped Chelsea Manager, Antonio Conte barely a week to the FA Community Shield against city rival, Arsenal and two weeks to the much anticipated 2017/2018 English Premier League season.
After smashing pre season defeats to fellow London teams, Fulham (8:2) and Arsenal (3:0) Chelsea's straight loss to European giants, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, 3:2 and 2:1 respectively has exposed the Blues' competitive weakness as the English Champion launches a return to Europe's elite club competition, UEFA Champions league.
Reports have it that the Blues gaffer, Conte has warned his lads to avoid a repeat of Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri's experience after they both won the EPL. An indication of the unease in Chelsea's camp.
While it's incontrovertible that Antonio Conte told Blues' ace striker,Diego Costa that his services was no longer needed, due to suspected disciplinary issue,expressing disinterest in retaining defensive midfield strong man,Nemaja Matic, who alongside N'galo Kante formed a super pair to provide cover for the Blues rear guard, has kept Chelsea fans wondering.
Antonio Conte may not openly admit it, but followers of EPL can attest to the fact that Cesc Fabregas with his excellent and visionary passing skills lacks the defensive ability as well as strength to form strong midfield partnership with Kante that will make Chelsea retain the EPL and do well in Europe in the incoming season.
Conte's fear has further heightened with reports that new signing, Tiemoue Bakayoko is nursing injury, while Eden Hazard is recuperating from an injury he suffered during international duty with Belgium.
Michy Batshuayi has undoubtedly showed why Chelsea bought him in the pre season friendlies,particularly in the games against Fulham and Arsenal,but Conte's body language as it affects new signing,Alvaro Morata and reports of interest in Italian striker,Antonio Candreva, does not speak of confidence as the new season inches closer with daunting games ahead.
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