Building the Antonio Conte empire at Chelsea, part 3 of 3: Be like Ferguson, not Wenger

Understanding difficult times: Another Ferguson, or another Wenger?

Perhaps the most important factor in creating a Conte Empire is recognizing the difference between an Alex Ferguson and an Arsene Wenger. Both managers spent decades at their respective clubs. Both found success and both had dips. But their successes and dips varied greatly.

Chelsea must continuously evaluate if Conte’s empire is closer to Ferguson’s at United or Wenger’s at Arsenal. Ferguson was not always a success, and had several years where he and Manchester United struggled. But the club stood by him and he rewarded them with unprecedented success.

Ferguson used the academy and shrewd transfers to create a dangerous side that could compete on all fronts. He also stayed ahead of tactical trends. He always had a core philosophy, but changed its implementation along with trends in the game.

Wenger is almost the opposite. He had several years where he succeeded, but several more where he did not. The club stood by him because it was safe and because they always felt like success was just around the corner.

He tapped the academy, but with mixed success. Transfers were rarely super stars, and there were more failures than victories in the market. Wenger stuck with the same tactics as the game moved on around him and left him in the rear view. He has attempted to catch up, but ultimately it may be too little, too late.

During down times, Manchester United and Arsenal stuck by their managers with mixed results. History has only shown Chelsea pulling the plug during these moments. But now that Roman Abramovich appears fully settled and willing to exercise patience it must be done properly.

The owner must be sure in these dark moments that Conte is a Ferguson. If he is, and success is right around the corner, then Conte must be kept on and trusted. But if failure is prolonged and he appears to be a Wenger, Abramovich must pull the plug.

Chelsea must not have a fan base that is calling for their manager’s head every season. Nor can they give their manager so much control that removing him is more difficult than keeping him.

So far, the signs point towards Conte being more like Sir Alex Ferguson than Arsene Wenger. The club must evaluate that situation regularly to ensure it remains the case. If they do so, along with the other things necessary to build an empire, Conte’s tenure at Stamford Bridge could rival Ferguson’s at Manchester United.

Next: Building the Antonio Conte empire, part 2 of 3: Loan and academy pipelines

If Chelsea maintain the ambition, patience, and evaluation, then Conte’s time at Chelsea could be long and prosperous. It will be an empire, long talked about and long envied. Just as it should be.