The Conte Thread

[El P. 1,354]

He knew we didn't stood a chance, United could've scored 3-4. I think, in his head, he was at our next game, United game became irrelevant after first half an hour. At least I was.

We need to stop seeing things wrong, this team is, individually, same or level below of other top 6 clubs. And whatever happens, Antonio did a great job, whether we win the title or not. He is the reason we are still first.

I saw this coming, even in January when we didn't sign anyone. I KNEW that we must've strengthen back then, because we have massive chance to win the league. Either on striker, wingbacks, centrebacks or midfield position, I was begging to bring someone in, even to force a transfer and overpay it. But, nothing happened, and we are stuck with what we have.

Can't believe, in the season when it is so clear that opportunity for win it is so big, we are with only 2 decents wingbacks, and Diego Costa at the top with no decent replacement. We are always one injury away from being shit. January was a big failure in my eyes, and I don't know who should take blame for it.

[nono 791]

3 hours ago, Mana said:

There's no talk or articles about "How to beat Spurs" or "How to beat Liverpool" etc. ONLY US.

Is it that simple to beat us if you have decent players to do it? Is this why all the top 5 expect City (in which should have killed us at the Etihad) and Spurs/United home (where Mourinho claimed it went to pan in the 1st minute) - managed to successfully stop us?

All they do is press us really hard and we crumble. We struggle keeping the ball against the better teams. 

[manpe 10,861]

7 minutes ago, El P. said:

I saw this coming, even in January when we didn't sign anyone. I KNEW that we must've strengthen back then, because we have massive chance to win the league. Either on striker, wingbacks, centrebacks or midfield position, I was begging to bring someone in, even to force a transfer and overpay it. But, nothing happened, and we are stuck with what we have.

Can't believe, in the season when it is so clear that opportunity for win it is so big, we are with only 2 decents wingbacks, and Diego Costa at the top with no decent replacement. We are always one injury away from being shit. January was a big failure in my eyes, and I don't know who should take blame for it.

True. In fact we weakened by offloading Oscar, Ivanovic and Mikel. Didn't think I'd say this but wish we had Brana yesterday. Did the board expect smooth sailing for the rest of the season? I understand the decision to wait for the right targets to become available in summer, but they must not put blame on Conte if we bottle it. When we need to play Pedro or Moses at LWB you know this squad is not good enough.

[nono 791]

22 minutes ago, manpe said:

True. In fact we weakened by offloading Oscar, Ivanovic and Mikel. Didn't think I'd say this but wish we had Brana yesterday. Did the board expect smooth sailing for the rest of the season? I understand the decision to wait for the right targets to become available in summer, but they must not put blame on Conte if we bottle it. When we need to play Pedro or Moses at LWB you know this squad is not good enough.

They were all averagae players though who fans had been wanting gone for many years before they were finally offloaded. Neither of the three would have helped us against United. 

[manpe 10,861]

7 minutes ago, nono said:

They were all averagae players though who fans had been wanting gone for many years before they were finally offloaded. Neither of the three would have helped us against United. 

Of course fans wanted for them to be offloaded, but not like this without replacements. It's ridiculous. Most of our squad is average, would it be okay to ship them all and not replace anyone?

[manpe 10,861]

17 hours ago, Ledgi said:

I think now we know he's a manger who doesn't have a plan b during games when things go south and if we're losing at halftime, we will probably not turn a game around.

Too early to say. The plan B this squad allows he uses when needed.

[Last Sicarius 610]

Masterclass.

[Tautvix 1,321]

I think now when we won to bench Hazard was a tactical move from Conte. Spurs probably had a player who would have chased Eden all the game like Herrera did. It would have been hard for him. We managed to stay in the game and when the game is open it was the best time to bring in Hazard. Also, Conte was worried that this game can go to extra time so 120mins would have been hard. Well done Antonio, was well prepared for this game!

[The Skipper 20,593]

Way to redeem yourself after the United game Toni. 

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

The Hazard on the bench decision is still a strange one. I'll be interested to know Conte's thought process for that one. 

[Last Sicarius 610]

Nobody was prepare for Michy. They need to take him in different way then with Costa. This for good call. After Hazard and Costa in we have some Control and when Fabs go in we have full  control. These are 3 ket  players.

[Jase 43,479]

What's with that 'Antonio, Antonio' plane banner today?

[MefiX19 1,092]

6 minutes ago, Jason said:

What's with that 'Antonio, Antonio' plane banner today?

Better than Wenger out one for sure

[Jase 43,479]

Just now, MefiX19 said:

Better than Wenger out one for sure

It felt so random.

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

He has Guts

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

If Mourinho made the exact changes and got the exact results Conte got today, the press will be calling it a Masterclass. 

[bluephoenix 1,126]

1 hour ago, MrExcalibur100 said:

The Hazard on the bench decision is still a strange one. I'll be interested to know Conte's thought process for that one. 

Was a bold move! He probably wanted Hazard's energy to turn this around and it worked perfectly. Probably thought Spurs strategy would be to cut out Hazard the way United did.

[Blue Armour 4,278]

1 hour ago, MrExcalibur100 said:

The Hazard on the bench decision is still a strange one. I'll be interested to know Conte's thought process for that one. 

Well, now we know from his post match comments. Looks like he was resting them for Tue.