With speculation that Antonio Conte’s deal to become the next Chelsea boss is all-but done, the Italian could be the perfect match for the club.
As suggested by Football Italia, the current Italy coach has confirmed the move with the club and all that is left is an official announcement.
While his contract with the FIGC expires this summer, Conte’s immediate focus will remain on helping guide the Azzurri to success at Euro 2016 in France this summer.
However, his long-term future has been discussed at great length in recent months, and it appears as though the former Juventus boss will get his opportunity to coach abroad having previously hinted that he would love the challenge at some stage of his career.
It appears as though that stage of his career is now, as he will look to pick up from where Guus Hiddink leaves the club this summer, and the Dutchman deserves plenty of credit for the job that he has done in improving the club’s position since Jose Mourinho was sacked last December.
Conte has proven during his time in Turin that he has what it takes to deliver for a top club in Europe, as he guided the club to three consecutive Serie A titles, going unbeaten for an entire league campaign too, and restored the club to the top of the pile in Italy.
Although he failed to conquer Europe, the financial backing that he will more than likely get in west London will help him compete with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid next season. However, it is his man-management, ruthless pursuit of success and tactical brain that sets him apart from the rest.
Naturally, as with any foreign coach arriving in the Premier League, he may well need time to adjust and settle before he gets his ideas across. However, the fact that he will have a deal in place months before arriving and can prepare adequately, provided that it doesn’t disrupt his current work with Italy, will all help him in hitting the ground running.
His characteristics as a player and ideas are a coach are seemingly well matched for England, and that is arguably why Roman Abramovich is ready to place his faith in him.
Chelsea need stability and sustained success in the coming months and years, and although it’s unlikely that we will see any manager-club relationship last too long in modern-day football, Conte will ensure that the Premier League outfit are back competing for silverware next season.