Reports are circulating that Antonio Conte could make a surprising return to Chelsea if Mauricio Pochettino faces dismissal at the end of the season.
Pochettino’s tenure at Chelsea has been under scrutiny due to the team’s underwhelming performance in the Premier League, where they currently sit in ninth place.
Additionally, Pochettino has failed to guide the team to success in either the FA Cup or the EFL Cup, leading to speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge.
While several potential candidates have been mentioned for the managerial position, including Roberto De Zerbi, Hansi Flick, and Ruben Amorim, the latest name to emerge is former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
Conte, who led Chelsea to the Premier League title during the 2016-17 season, is reportedly intrigued by the possibility of returning to the club.
Despite his less than stellar stint at Tottenham Hotspur in recent times, Conte’s potential comeback would undoubtedly generate significant interest among fans and pundits alike.
During Conte’s previous tenure at Stamford Bridge, he notably favored a five-defender formation, which proved to be highly successful.
Players like Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso played crucial roles as wing-backs in Conte’s system. Looking at the current Chelsea squad, Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell are seen as the best fits for those wing-back positions.
In Conte’s tactical setup, Reece James would be earmarked for the wide centre-back role, previously occupied by Cesar Azpilicueta.
Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill would fill the other defensive slots, provided they maintain their fitness levels.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are likened to Conte’s former midfield duo, Cesc Fabregas and N’Golo Kante, showcasing similarities in their playing styles.
Additionally, Cole Palmer is identified as the player most resembling Eden Hazard, who played a pivotal role for Chelsea during Conte’s reign.
For the attacking trio, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are envisioned as dynamic options alongside Palmer.
This speculative lineup under Conte’s potential return would see Djordje Petrovic in goal, Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell as wing-backs, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, and Levi Colwill in defense, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in midfield, and Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, and Nicolas Jackson in attack.
Conte’s potential reunion with Chelsea would undoubtedly inject excitement into the club’s tactical setup and future prospects.
His previous success at Stamford Bridge, coupled with his tactical acumen, could provide the catalyst for a resurgence in Chelsea’s fortunes.
However, only time will tell whether Conte will indeed make a return to the club and whether his tactical vision will translate into on-field success.