Chelsea were shambolic last season, as they recorded the worst title defense in the history of the Premier League last season. The disastrous start to the campaign resulted in the sacking of JOSE Mourinho mid way through the season. Guus Hiddink came in and got some stability in the team. At the end Chelsea finished 10th on the table, following which they appointed Italian national team coach Antonio Conte as their new manager. Mourinho has also left some long-term effects on the squad for Antonio Conte, to address this summer.
Conte is known to be a strict disciplinarian and the Chelsea players will have to work hard once he starts. However, the ruthless nature of the Premier League coupled with Conte’s lack of time to get accustomed to his new job could play a key factor in leading to his downfall even before his tenure begins. Conte’s biggest worry next season will be getting a world class striker. He has the likes of Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Pato in his squad but with reports linking the last two to moves away from Stamford Bridge and Costa depressing form last season, makes the signing of a new striker, the top priority of Conte.
They have been linked with Belgium international Michy Batshuayi, who is currently playing at Marseille. Although the youngster is highly rated around Europe, it might be the move to let his fellow countryman Romelu Lukaku leave a few seasons ago, that might come to haunt the Blues this year. Having signed for Chelsea in 2011, the former Anderlecht wasn’t given enough playing time, and was soon shipped out on loan to the Hawthorns and then to the Goodison Park. His performance in the 2013-2014 season prompted Everton to shell out a record sum to get the Belgian on a permanent deal.
But now the need for a striker is urgent and it won’t be easy for Conte to get his preferred target without the lure of the Champions League. Last season Costa suffered a huge dip in form, which led to Pato moving to London in January, however the move wasn’t that fruitful as the Brazilian could only get on the scoresheet once in 2 appearances. Hazard and Fabregas did show some improvement during the final stages of the season but it’s the lack of a world class striker upfront which will worry Conte the most.
Conte is currently managing Italy at the Euros and with their qualification to the knockout rounds confirmed, it will only delay his arrival at West London. Therefore he won’t have much time to settle and being a new comer to the Premier League that task will only get harder.
One thing that is for sure is the fact that Chelsea have gotten themselves a manager of the highest caliber in world football. If they are to succeed and compete in the league race and the Champions League spots, a few tough decisions will have to be made. Whether these factors prove conclusive can only be told with time.
Chelsea
Sonia Bompastor Refuses to Address Sam Kerr Exit Speculation Amid Chelsea Striker’s Uncertain Future
Sonia Bompastor has declined to discuss Sam Kerr’s future at Chelsea amid mounting speculation the Australian superstar will walk away from Stamford Bridge as a free agent this summer. The prolific striker’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, with numerous reports claiming she has already decided to leave after seven years in English football.
Bompastor shut down questions about Kerr’s situation during her pre match press conference, stating that both the forward and captain Millie Bright, remain under contract for now. The Chelsea boss made clear she will not be drawn into speculation about player futures while matches remain to be played this season.
Sam Kerr Departure Would End Glorious Era
The potential exit of Kerr alongside long time captain Bright would signal the end of Chelsea’s most successful period in their history. The club has already lost Guro Reiten permanently, while Catarina Macario is heading to America on what reports claim will be a record shattering NWSL contract worth millions.
Chelsea appears committed to rebuilding around younger talent rather than extending deals for established stars entering the latter stages of their careers. This strategic shift could see several high profile names depart simultaneously this summer.
American Clubs Preparing Lucrative Offers for Sam Kerr
Multiple NWSL franchises are circling for Kerr’s signature, hoping to lure the Australian back to the United States, where she previously starred before joining Chelsea. The American league has dramatically increased investment in recent years, offering salaries that can now compete with European clubs.
Ian Wright publicly criticized any decision to offer Kerr merely a short extension rather than a substantial long term deal, arguing her legendary status deserves better recognition. However, Chelsea’s transfer strategy appears already set, with youth recruitment taking priority over sentiment towards club icons nearing the end of their peak years.
Chelsea
26-Year-Old Set for $8M Move to San Diego Wave as Chelsea Striker Expected to Leave Stamford Bridge With Transfer Window Nearing Final Days
Catarina Macario is expected to leave Chelsea F.C. Women and complete a move to San Diego Wave FC with the transfer window nearing its final days. Reports suggest the NWSL side is working quickly to finalize the deal, which could be worth roughly $8 million in total contract value.
The proposed transfer fee is believed to be around $300,000, which is frankly a favorable outcome for Chelsea given that Macario’s contract expires this summer. Without a sale now, the American international could have left the club as a free agent at the end of the season, which would have been disastrous business.
San Diego Using High Impact Player Rule
San Diego Wave are planning to sign the forward using the NWSL’s High Impact Player rule, a mechanism that allows clubs to pay certain star players up to $1 million outside the league’s salary cap. To qualify, players must meet specific performance or profile criteria, which Macario certainly does.
The current NWSL salary cap stands at $3.7 million, making the rule an important tool for attracting top international talent. This represents a significant investment from San Diego, who are absolutely serious about building a championship winning squad.
Has Not Featured Regularly for Chelsea
Macario has not featured regularly for Chelsea in recent weeks, partly due to injury concerns and the uncertainty surrounding her future. Despite her absence, Chelsea recently secured their first trophy of the season by defeating Manchester United Women in the Women’s League Cup final.
The London club remain active on multiple fronts, still competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and preparing for the quarter final stage of the Women’s FA Cup.
Chelsea Sit Third in WSL
However, Chelsea’s domestic league campaign has been more challenging. For the first time in five seasons, they are no longer clear favorites for the Women’s Super League title under manager Sonia Bompastor.
Chelsea
Joe Montemurro Makes Remarkable Juventus vs Chelsea Comparison After Matildas Gets Past Best Team at Asia Cup
Joe Montemurro showed a flexibility to his approach in the Women’s Asian Cup quarter finals that meant the Matildas prevailed by adapting to the circumstances in front of them, even if it was contradictory to the style that is in his DNA. Australia edged North Korea 2-1 in Perth to make the semi finals in what was a resilient performance against the tournament’s best team.
“Let’s be frank and honest here. Winning football games like that, it usually happens in tournaments,” Montemurro said after the victory. The Italian boss then turned to his captain, Sam Kerr, in the press conference and referenced one of his key wins in European football with Juventus against her Chelsea side.
Had 450 Million Shots and We Had One
“I’ve done it a few times like that in Champions League. I think there was a game against Chelsea, we got a draw. They had 450 million shots, and we had one,” Montemurro said with a smile. This Champions League reference perfectly illustrated the type of performance Australia needed to overcome North Korea.
He added, “We knew that they were a great side. They’re the best team in the tournament. They really are. So we just had to be methodical. Where we won the game were the little bits in between, as we were losing the ball or as we were winning the ball to keep our shape and keep our organisation. We didn’t create much. We had to resist a lot.”
It’s Who I Am But Part of Remit to Win
Montemurro was absolutely honest about abandoning his preferred style for tournament pragmatism. “Do I want to play a possession based game? Do I want to keep the ball? It’s who I am. It’s my DNA, but part of my remit is to win football matches,” he explained.
He continued, “Sometimes you have to have that flexibility. At this level, it’s all about moments. It’s all about taking those moments.”
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