MIDDLESBRO v CHELSEA BACK 3 TO THE FUTURE
Conte masterstroke sets Hazard & Costa free
ANTONIO CONTE has been hailed a genius and a master tactician in recent weeks.
At times it has even seemed as if he has reinvented football such is the enthusiasm that has greeted his change to a 3-4-3 formation at Chelsea.
But the Italian has revealed he only made the switch because the system he wanted to use when he arrived at Stamford Bridge wasn’t working.
And, in fact, he even tried out another one before settling on 3-4-3.
There certainly wasn’t a lightbulb moment for Conte.
But since his side went to three at the back they have kickstarted their season and travel to Middlesbrough ough today on a high after five wins in five Premier Leaguee games, scoring 16 timess without conceding in the process.rocess.
Conte said: “I must be honest, because we started our season with another r idea.
“There was anotherher system, because at the startt I wanted to play 4-2-4 with twowo forward roles and two wingers.ers.
“Then when I sawaw we didn’t find the right ht balance, I tried to change it to 4-3-3, to pl ay with midfield more.
“Then I changedd to 3- 4- 3 because it was another er alternative.
Balance
“When we preparedpared the season, together with th the club, the club knew my ideadea and the first idea was 4-2-4, the second idea was 3-4-3.
“I knew that these type of players, the system is perfect for them, but I repeat, I started in my mind with the idea of trying to play 4-2-4.”
It was a surprise to many, who assumed Conte would go for the system of three at the back which had served him so well with Juventus and Italy.
But that wasn’t the case and it was only when the season started that he realised he should have done.
Conte added: “When you see that every game you concede goals and concede many chances to concede more goals, it means you have to change something.
“I tried to give more balance offensivelyff i l and ddf defensively,i l and also because I saw the players enjoyed this type of football, this system.
“Every single player has his quality in this system.
“The speed they have adapted to 3-4-3 surprised me, though.
“We changed i t after Arsenal, before Hull City, and theth firstfi tt two weeksk we workedkd Hazard,H di in particular,ti l seem tot a lot. Then there was the have been given a new lease international break and then of life by the change in tactics we started to work very hard and Conte is hoping the to find the right line of passes international break has done with the ball and to find the nothing to dampen the form right situation defensively. of his stars.
“But, yes, I’m surprised at Conte said: “In this system the speed to understand this Eden is working a lot without new change.” the ball, but in a position more
Diego Costa and Eden ahead than before. And for himhi it’ it’s b better.tt F For hi him, f for Willian, for Pedro, also for Diego.
“This season I’m seeing a lot of positive things for Eden, with the ball and without the ball.
“It’s important, because to be a complete player you must do both phases.
“Eden is doing this and it’s fantastic.”