Chelsea are all set to welcome Antonio Conte to the club as their new manager, prior to the start of the new campaign. The Blues are keen on strengthening their squad, after a forgettable last season and will look to do everything in their power to improve their chances of winning some major titles next season. The Italy manager has looked impressive at the top level, as he is managing the national side in the Euro 2016 tournament presently.
Conte’s team beat Belgium 2-0 and looked quite impressive without some of their star players. They might go all the way in the tournament, if they can keep the level of their performances up.
The Premier League giants would want that the former Juventus manager could keep this momentum going for them as well, as he takes over at west London. Many players have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks and Conte will want to sign a few good players in order to challenge for silverware.
However, one key player that his focus should also be on retaining is keeper Thibaut Courtois, who has been superb for the club since returning from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid. The keeper who eventually took over from the club’s former first choice goalie Petr Cech, has been linked with a move away from the club for quite some time now.
The 24 year old Belgian international has been solid between the sticks and was the reason that the Czech Republic international left the club and joined London rivals Arsenal, last summer. Courtois has been performing well, despite his side’s poor form and his absence due to an injury cost the club some crucial points last term.
At present, he is with the Belgian national side for the Euro 2016 tournament that lost to the Italians and will be expected to help them proceed as far in the tournament as possible, as they look to win it.
The shot-stopper made 30 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, last term and looked solid at the back. His shot stopping ability is a key asset to any side that he is a part of and he is also very focused. Though as a keeper his long ball distribution is not always the best, there are various other positives about him.
He has the leadership qualities to command the Blues’ defensive line and motivate them to perform better, something that a keeper like Asmir Begovic failed to do, when he was playing. Courtois has so far, 49 league appearances to his name and has a lot more time that he can give to the club, as he is still quite young.
Conte’s main intention has been to fortify the defence first and losing a keeper like Courtois will surely weaken it, creating more problems. This makes it quite essential for the new incoming boss to keep hold on his star, rather than just letting him leave!!