Steve Holland has been named in several reports as a potential successor to Maurizio Sarri. If Holland were to take over at Chelsea, what would he do in his first permanent manager post?
Steve Holland has spent the majority of his coaching career at Stamford Bridge. Starting under Carlo Ancelotti (as the U23 manager) in 2009, Holland was an assistant for everyone manager from Andre Villas-Boas to Antonio Conte. No matter who was in charge, however terrible their reign was, Holland withstood the test of time.
After leaving Chelsea, Holland helped Gareth Southgate orchestrate the revitalization of English football. The success of the English national team made many around Stamford Bridge wonder what all he is truly capable of. Naturally, then, Holland’s name came up as a possible successor to Maurizio Sarri.
Holland implemented similar systems under Antonio Conte and Gareth Southgate, notably ones built on a three-man defence. Chelsea still have many of the same players – and needs – as they did under Conte, making this Holland’s likely preferred set up if he returned to the Blues.
1. Goalkeeper and defence: Holland knows three-man defence
Obviously, Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal.
Although Holland’s and Southgate’s England team uses a 3-5-2, the current Chelsea squad isn’t fully equipped to play in that formation the way England does. Holland would likely keep three at the back, but playing in a more familiar 3-4-3. So, after a year hiatus, the infamous 3-4-3 would return to Chelsea.
Starting on the left side of the back line, Antonio Rudiger. Rudiger is the perfect blend of toughness and speed for a back three. He didn’t have the best year under Sarri, but often that was due to him being forced into uncomfortable situations.
With three center backs, teams will often lay off the extreme press, thus giving Rudiger more time to make the correct outlet pass. In terms of his defending qualities, the German has the potential to be one of the Premier League’s best.
In the center of the defense, Andreas Christensen will reclaim his place in the regular starting line-up. Christensen’s excellent passing ability will be on full display, should he get the nod as the middle center back. The 23-year-old would occupy the “John Stones role.” This would put him in charge of monitoring possession, sometimes moving into the defensive midfield when the time is right.
Christensen’s role is vital to successfully breaking any press Chelsea should come under. Hiss abilities are often pushed to the wayside and hidden under the shadow of David Luiz’s exceptional passing skills, but make no mistake, Christensen is a top-class distributor.
Cesar Azpilicueta would then play on the right side of the central three. Azpilicueta thrived under Conte in the back three and it would be hard for Holland to forget that. With two wing backs in the 3-4-3, the captain will focus solely on defending, where he obviously excels.
Add us as a preferred source on Google