Gary Cahill: Chelsea under Antonio Conte is “a breath of fresh air”

Gary Cahill was on many short-lists of players who would not survive Antonio Conte’s first season at Chelsea. Instead he is looking forward to a second season under Conte, possibly as the club captain.

Gary Cahill has thrived under Antonio Conte, even as the 3-4-3 was supposed to be a fatal blow to his time at Chelsea. Cahill has scored a career-high six goals this season, and is having one of his best seasons for tackles and passing as the left-side centre-back. Beyond his performance, Cahill stepped up to lead the squad on the pitch as match-day captain.

Not surprisingly, Cahill has little interest in rumours that Antonio Conte may depart this summer. Cahill has known nothing but managerial turnover since arriving at Chelsea. A second full season for Antonio Conte would be the most stability Cahill has had at Stamford Bridge.

"Having the same manager in place is fantastic and competition for places everywhere, plus a few additions, that’s always healthy. I don’t know why he wouldn’t be happy. If you saw him at West Brom, you could see that after just winning the League in his first season. – Evening Standard"

Cahill’s defensive play, leadership and many of his poached goals off of set pieces reflect his mentor, John Terry. Terry smoothed Conte’s early days with the club, providing a valuable point of continuity and transition within the locker room. As Cahill took more of the on-field leadership and Terry weighed leaving the Blues, the natural progression from one to the other became more apparent.

"Gary is our vice-captain in this season, and he has put on the armband every time John did not play and for sure Gary has the good prospect to be a good captain. But now it is important to finish this season because to start to think about next season is very dangerous because we have targets to reach. – Antonio Conte, Chelsea FC"

Cahill will have equal amounts of competition for his role on the back-line as well as the captaincy. Cesar Azpilicueta and Cesc Fabregas have each set high standards for leadership, persistence and accountability.

Of the three, Cesar Azpilicueta appears most secure in his place in the lineup. But Cahill’s year as match-day captain may carry some weight as Conte builds his squad for next year. Cahill has also defied all detractors with his ability fight off competition from younger, quicker and more highly-rated teammates.

After last season’s on-pitch debacle and off-field dramas, Antonio Conte’s passion is as important to the squad as the trophy he will raise on Sunday. Gary Cahill surely enjoyed being Antonio Conte’s captain more than John Terry enjoyed filling the role for Jose Mourinho.

Next: Antonio Conte has two more Premier League ambitions for Chelsea

“I have played under a lot of managers here,” Cahill said, “it’s been a breath of fresh air.”