The latest developments regarding a new contract for Antonio Conte sees him demanding greater control over Chelsea transfer policy.
Antonio Conte has laid out his demands as Chelsea try to tie him down to a new deal. With European clubs interested in prying the Italian away from Stamford Bridge, the Blues are keen to offer him a longer and more lucrative deal. However, they will need to allow him greater control of transfer policy.
According to The Times (subscription required), Conte is unhappy with the club’s recent recruitment and thus wants more autonomy should he commit to a new contract.
"The Chelsea head coach will demand a greater control of transfers, which are at present managed by the director Marina Granovskaia and technical director, Michael Emenalo…Chelsea have only signed four players since Conte was appointed 12 months ago, and only one of those, N’Golo Kanté, was specifically requested by the manager, a point he is understood to have made forcibly in recent discussions with the club about transfer plans for next season."
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David Luiz, Marcos Alonso and Michy Batshuayi were the other three signings made during the summer. To be fair to the board, the first two have been an integral part of Conte’s team. They have been ever-presents in the backline and they have both impressed and surprised with their performances.
The process of Chelsea’s transfer dealings remains unclear. Under previous regimes, it was thought that the manager handed the board a shortlist of names. Negotiations were then handled by the likes of Marina Granovskaia and Michael Emenalo.
This report suggests that Conte has enjoyed much less control. It has not affected the Blues this season, but it could be detrimental next term. Chelsea will have a significantly larger workload given their involvement in the Champions League and thus need more depth.
More importantly, they need quality depth. The standard of football from their counterparts on the continent is much higher and Chelsea require some marquee signings if they are to compete. Furthermore, the incoming players need to suit Conte’s tactics.
Hence, the boss is justified in his request for autonomy. He is the man who has to create a winning formula from the players at his disposal. Enabling him to pursue the talent he desires only increases the chances of him doing so successfully.
Conte has proven that he is up to the task. Turning this squad from the fractured and confused mess it was nine months ago into runaway league leaders is no mean feat. Antonio Conte certainly deserves to be rewarded in this way.