Assistant managers are often the glue that holds a squad together. Chelsea are going to cede their advantage on that front.
It all started with Zeljko Buvac. He had been Jurgen Klopp’s assistant manager for nearly his entire career. Technically, he is only on a leave of absence for the rest of the season, but there were reports of a bust up as well.
Rui Faria was next. After following Jose Mourinho around for nearly his entire career, he suddenly departed his compatriots company to start his own career.
Most recently, Mikel Arteta has been linked with a departure. Since retiring, he has been Pep Guardiola’s assistant. But the links to the Arsenal job have been strong sense Arsene Wenger announced his departure and the links have only gotten stronger. It now seems likely that he will return there.
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On paper, their departures should weaken the squads. It is often the case that the assistant is the one the players feel comfortable going to. The assistant breaks bad news to them and works closely with them on the tactics of the match. Without them, a vital piece is missing that some managers cannot cover on their own.
And in any other season, Chelsea would be set to capitalize. But since Steve Holland left, the position of assistant manager has remained empty on paper. Yes, there are several assistant managers at the club. But they are all Antonio Conte’s crew and would depart with him if the Italian is asked/told to leave.
That would mean Chelsea would have to bring in an entirely new set of coaching staff, losing any advantage they would have on that front against three teams.
Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho are demanding managers. Their assistants could have helped to temper that before it reached the players. Without them, the players get the full frontal assault. That may work for some, but for others, it will cause a breakdown in relationship. That will in turn weaken the squad and give Chelsea the chance to pull ahead.
The others will likely survive. Guardiola can maintain on the back of a title win. He is used to losing assistants and can cope with the loss.
But it will not matter as Chelsea cannot take advantage of the weakness. The Blues need their own assistant manager who can take Steve Holland’s place. Someone who will last over every manager and serve as the bridge between the players that have stayed and the new management.
The only other option is sticking by a manager and their team, something have no inclination to have the patience necessary for.
Any of Jody Morris, Joe Edwards, Frank Lampard (or John Terry, any of the legends) would be ideal for the role. Especially considering Chelsea are not going to lose just one assistant if they sack Conte, but the entire staff.
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And if losing just one person can weaken a team, imagine what losing several can do. Chelsea must sort the situation out before it further spirals Chelsea downward towards a path of irrelevance.