How Chelsea could line up with Antonio Conte

James Shearman

• Updated: 2 May 2024 17:37 BST
• 3 min read

Antonio Conte has been linked with a shock return to Chelsea, should Mauricio Pochettino be sacked at the end of the season.

Pochettino's side are currently ninth in the Premier League, and he has failed to lead the Blues to either FA Cup or EFL Cup success.

Thus, the Argentinian is under huge pressure at Stamford Bridge and there is a belief that he will be relieved of his duties next month.

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer rumours

The likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Hansi Flick and Ruben Amorim have all been linked with the job, but the latest man to be suggested is former manager Conte.

According to reports in Italy, the 54-year-old, who coached Chelsea to the 2016-17 Premier League title, is interested in going back.

Conte may no longer be a top manager, given his recent spell at Tottenham, but his return would certainly make for interesting viewing.

How Chelsea could line up with Antonio Conte

In Conte's previous tenure at Stamford Bridge, he famously employed a five-defender formation to great effect.

Back then, Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso were the all-important wing-backs, while Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell are best-suited to those roles among the current crop of players.

Reece James could perform Cesar Azpilicueta's wide centre-back role well, with Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill occupying the other defensive positions - if they can keep fit.

Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have similarities to Conte's old midfield duo, Cesc Fabregas and N'Golo Kante.

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer is the closest current player to Eden Hazard, who was the West London club's talisman for several years, including the two under Conte.

Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku could round out what would be a dynamic front three.

GK: Djordje Petrovic

RWB: Malo Gusto

RCB: Reece James

CB: Wesley Fofana

LCB: Levi Colwill

LWB: Ben Chilwell

CM: Moises Caicedo

CM: Enzo Fernandez

RW: Cole Palmer

ST: Christopher Nkunku

LW: Nicolas Jackson