Chelsea FC take on Swansea: four point preview

2. Post-appointment attitude – Andre Carlisle

The manager known as the Italian Mourinho has finally been introduced and he has made his first appearance at the training grounds. Who knows if Conte left behind any smoldering embers of his fiery persona as a reminder that, like an omnipresent deity, he’ll now be watching always.

My bet is he has, but even if not, Chelsea have openly selected a new direction, and the players now have something tangible to play for again. If badge kisses and sound bytes of loyalty mean anything, everyone from sparingly-seen-youth to out-of-favor regulars should be reinvigorated.

Surely Conte and Emenalo will work to bring players to the club; meaning that the days of near non-existent first team competition at Chelsea are almost certainly numbered. Transfers — when not botched – were only used to fill gaps or provide depth and a way through lower-tier competitions. With the names Chelsea have already been linked with, that policy is likely to see a drastic change.

Proving themselves capable of stepping onto the pitch when Conte unveils his first first-team should be a priority. And the only thing proven to thaw Conte’s heart is running hard, running often, being a pest in defense, and making things happen on offense.

With Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Leicester all to come, it would be wise to get into these habits against the Swans. Conte will surely be paying attention.

Next: 3. Youth to continue?